The Knight Family of Washington Parish, Louisiana

The Knights of Washington Parish

(Note: My information about the Knight family of Washington Parish came from the Oshoula Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; information that Charles Knight gave on the Washington Parish Census records that he was born in Virginia; Charles Knight's pension application from the War of 1812, where he confirmed his age and told the exact date of his marriage to his wife Susan; the death certificate of Charles Knight's son James that states that his father Charley was from Georgia. The informant for the death certificate was James Knight's son William Plummer Knight. William Plummer was 20 years old when his grandfather Charley died; Charles' sons' James, Calvin and George and his daughter Mary "Polly"; husband's pension applications from the Civil War; Washington Parish newspaper articles; cemetery records; Washington Parish libraries; courthouse records; census records; the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge and contributions from Knight family members.)

WASHINGTON PARISH - The first Knight who came into this section was Charles Knight. Charles was 5 feet 5 inches tall. He had a fair complexion, dark brown hair, and blue eyes. This was the description that his wife Susan gave of him when she applied for his War of 1812 Pension. He went by the name Charley.

Charles was born in Virginia, according to the information that Charles Knight gave to the 1850 Census in Washington Parish, Louisiana. Proof of his age can be found on his War of 1812 Pension application that was filed on May 4, 1874, in which Charles states that he was 88 years old.

We know that Charles Knight moved to Bulloch County, Georgia and then to Washington Parish about 1810 through the research records of the Oshoula Chapter of the daughters of the American Revolution. The death certificate of Charles Knight's son James also states that his father Charley was from Georgia. The informant for the death certificate was James Knight's son William Plummer Knight. William Plummer was 20 years old when his grandfather Charley died.

Charles Knight was not married when he came to Washington Parish circa 1810. William "Choctaw Bill" Williams and his family, the Richardsons and the Mizells, who were all living in Bulloch County, also came to Washington Parish around early 1800's, but it is not known if they all came at the same time.

It is believed that two of Charles Knight's brothers left Bulloch County and settled in other parts of the country. Plummer Knight told his son Earlie that the last time his grandfather Charles Knight heard from one of his brothers was when his brother went out West as an Indian Scout for Federal Troops. Alvin Knight believes that it was possibly around San Marcus, Texas near El Paso. Another one of Charles Knight's brothers, Robert Knight, is believed to have moved to Baldwin County, Georgia. Charles' other three brothers remained in Bulloch County, Georgia. Information about one of the brothers was contributed by Alvin Knight, son of Earlie Knight. Mike Elliot, a descendant of Robert Knight's son Henry, contributed the information about Robert.

As indicated on the Knight Family Tree, the name William has been handed down repeatedly in every generation since Peter's son William in the 1600's. William was in every Knight family in Virginia, in Bulloch County, Georgia and in Washington Parish, LA. The name William Knight is still found in almost every Knight family, today. James is also a very common name in the Knight family, both in Louisiana and Georgia. Alvin Knight said that that there were so many William Knights and James Knights in Washington Parish in the 1800's that people had to start giving them nick names so that everybody would know which one they were talking about.

Charles and Susannah Knight's Family

Charles Knight married William and Penelope Williams' daughter, Susannah "Susan" on January 17, 1822 in Washington Parish, Louisiana. The date of their marriage was found on Charles' application for his pension for service during the War of 1812. Susan's parents were also from Bulloch County, Georgia.

To read more about Charles Knight's wife Susannah Williams' family that includes Williams, Richardson, Mizell, Smithwick, Swain and Stiball families, click here.

Charles and Susan lived in Pine, La. In the 1850 Census, their son William was living next door to them. William's son, James W. Knight, is buried in Pine on the property where he lived. James W. Knight's brother Monroe Knight lived across the street from him. Charles and Susannah's son James' death certificate lists his place of birth as Pine. James lived in the Pine area all of his life, but he was always moving around, never staying in one place for more than about 5 years. He died in Pine and was buried in the Enon Baptist Church Cemetery. Charles and Susannah were the first people to be buried there. The Knight family traveled by horse and buggy several miles each way to attend Enon Baptist Church in Enon, Louisiana. Charles and Susannah's younger son George and his wife Martha Johnson lived around Enon where they were very involved in the Enon Baptist Church. Martha was a Sunday school teacher. George, Martha, and others in their family are also buried in the church cemetery.

There is a land deed recorded for Charles Knight dated 05-10-1861 in Washington Parish, LA for 79.78 acres in Section 33, Township 1.0S, Range 12.0E.

Jane Wascom, a near neighbor of Charles and Susannah, according to her testimony as a witness for Susannah in the Pension application for the War of 1812, sold property to George Knight in 1886, recorded in Franklinton Courthouse, Bk. 12, page 121 - 220 acres in Hr. 52-3-13.

Note: Jane Wascom actually lived next door to Charles and Susannah's son George Knight and a few doors down from their son Calvin Knight in 4th Ward, around Enon. I believe this Jane Wascom was Charles and Susanah's daughter Jane. Census records of 1870 show that James Waskom (census records has it spelled "Workan") lived next door to Charles Knight's son George Knight. Jane later married P. Y. Wascom.

Census 1870 - Washington Parish

James Waskom
estimated birth year: 1828
gender: Male
age in 1870: 42y
color: White
birthplace: Louisiana
home in 1870: Louisiana - Washington Parish
Household:
James Waskom - 42y - Birth Place Louisiana
Jane Waskom - 41y - Birth Place Louisiana
Martha Waskom - 18y
William Waskom - 16y
Thomas Waskom - 14y
James Waskom - 5y
Stephen Stafford - 31y - Note: the age could have been a misprint. Jane's son Stephen Stafford was born around 1849, making him 21 years old in 1870 (not 31y)
Chs Jenkins - 16y
Maryann Jenkins - 14y
Susan Jenkins - 11y
Richard Jenkins - 8y
Nancy Jenkins - 6y
Jasper Barber - 30y born Mississippi
Cassandra Barber - 28y - born Louisiana
Orville Barber - 8y
Harn Barber - 4y
Frances Barber - 2y
James Barber - 11m

Note: The Jenkins children were from Jane's marriage to her second husband Daniel P. Jenkins.

Charles Knight is listed on the 1830 Census in Washington Parish.

Washington Parish Census - 1840 - Charles Knight listed in Washington Parish, LA census with 2M<5, 1M5-9, 1M15-19, 1M50-59 (b 1781-1790), 1F<5, 1F5-9, 2F 10-14, 1F40-49. Four people in household employed in agriculture. (pg. 107 and 142).

According to the 1850 Census of Washington Parish, Charles and Susan's daughter, 21 year old Jane who had married Stephen Stafford, was living with them along with her 1 year old son Stephen and her 2 1/2 year old daughter Sarah. Her husband Stephen was not listed as living with them. Charles and Susan's son William and his wife Mary Ann Jenkins and their children were living next door to them. I found a Stephen Stafford married to Sallie Williams, who was the sister of Susannah. I do not know if he is the same Stephen Stafford or related to the one that was married to Jane Knight.

Washington Parish Census - 1850 - 24 October, Charles Knight listed in Washington Parish, LA census, age 60, born in VA (in 1790). Also listed: Susan (40, b. GA), James (21, b. LA), George (18, b. LA), Margaret (16, b. LA), Calvin (14, b. LA), Annie (10, b. LA). Also living w/were June Stafford (21, b. LA), Stephen Stafford (1, b. LA) and Sarah Stafford (2/12, b. LA). Living next door were W. Knight [William] (27, b. LA), Mary Knight [Mary Ann Jenkins] (21, b. LA), Susan Knight (2, b. LA) and Polly Knight (1, b. LA).

Five households down is James Blackwell (37 M Farmer b. KY), Emily Blackwell (35 F b. LA), Nancy (married James "Jockey Jim" Knight) (17 F b. LA), John Blackwell (13 M b. LA), Blackwell (10 M b. LA), Steptoe Blackwell (8 M b. LA), Elizabeth Blackwell (6 F b. LA), Cordelia Blackwell (4 F b. LA), Martin Blackwell (10 M b. LA.) James Blackwell's daughter Nancy married Charles and Susannah's son James "Jockey Jim" Knight.

To read more about Nancy Blackwell's family click here.

Washington Parish Census, Roll M- 653_426 - Ward 8 - 1860 - 428/419 Charles KNIGHT 72 farmer $285 b. VA - Susannah 57 b. GA, Calvin 22 farmer $200 b. LA

Census records for 1870 - Washington Parish still have their son Calvin Knight in the same household as Charles and Susanah Knight. Also Calvin's wife Lurinda and their children:

U S Census 1870 - Washington Parish - Ward 8

Charles Knight - 68y
Susan Knight - 22y - Georgia (the 22 years old is obviously wrong)
Calvin Knight - 34y - Louisiana
Lucinda Knight - 29y - Mississippi
Celment Knight - 6y - Louisiana
Mary Knight - 5y - Louisiana
Benjamin Knight - 3y - Louisiana
Ellen Knight - 10m - Louisiana

Next door is their son William and his family.

429/429 William KNIGHT 37 farmer $450 b. LA - Martha G (Nobles) 30 b. MS - Susan 13 b. LA, William 10, Mary 12, Sarah 6, James 4, Clarinda 2

Note: The ages that Charles Knight and his wife Susan gave on Charles' pension application is probably a much more reliable source than ages on census records, which, many times can only be used as approximate ages. Before the computer was invented, census taking was a very tedious task. By the 1880's, it took almost the entire 10 years to gather and process the information, and many times the information gathered was incorrect. For example, Charles Knight was 65 years old in 1850. Charles' age was determined by the age that he gave on his pension application. According to Charles, he would have been born about 1785, but the 1850 Census lists him as 60 years old; his wife Susan was 48. Susan's age was determined by the age Susan said that she was on Charles pension application for the War of 1812. According to Susan, she would have been born about 1802, but she is listed as 40; their son James' age of 21 is correct; but, their daughter Aner was 8 years old in 1850, and she is listed as 10 years old on the 1850 census.

Charles Knight died April 1, 1877, and Susannah died in 1885. They are buried in the Enon Baptist Church Cemetery in Washington Parish.

Charles and Susan Knight had eight children: William, Melvina, Jane, James, George, Mary, Calvin and Aner.

I. William Knight (born Feb. 24, 1823 - died Nov. 7, 1879) is buried in the Nobles Cemetery in Pine, La. His first wife was Mary Anne Jenkins. She was born about 1829 and died before 1854.

In the 1863 School Census in Washington parish William Knight has 2 males and 2 females in district 11.

There is a land deed for William Knight in Washington Parish, LA for 39.94 acres dated 05/10/1861 in section 10, Township 2.0S, Range 12.0E.

Mary Anne Jenkins was the daughter of Abner Jenkins (b. about 1790 - d. 1877) and his wife, Mary Ann Bennett (b. about 1790 in Wilkes County, Georgia - d. before 1860). Mary Ann Bennett's ancestry can be traced back to John Bennett of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, England circa 1508. Mary Anne Jenkins had a sister, Nancy Moose Jenkins who married Robert Williams, a brother of Susannah. Abner Jenkins granddaughter married William Knight's nephew, John Wesley Knight. John Wesley Knight was the son of James "Jockey Jim" Knight and John Wesley's wife was the daughter of Abner Jenkins, Jr.

To read more about Mary Ann Bennett's ancestors, click here.

William and his wife Mary Anne Jenkins' children were Susan, Mary Ann (Polly) and William Penn (Billy):

1. Susan Knight (b. Feb. 16, 1847-d. March 15, 1908) married Robert McKay Duncan in 1860. An unconfirmed source has him born about 1839 in Mississippi and died in Pine, La. He was the son of Cullen Duncan and Mary McKay. Susan and Robert had 15 children. Garland married Josephine Taylor,; Dora married Andrew B. Neilson from Denmark ; Lisa (or Lizzie) died young; Robert M. (b. 1870-d.1965) married Daisy Hopgood (b1887 d.1959) both buried in Nobles Cemetery; Marcus married Renee Thomas; Isaac; William; Paul's twin, died young; Acie Paulus' twin, first married Susie Thomas, 2^nd married Ada McNeese; Ben; John married Ada Thomas; Elsie; Beatrice Irene married Russell Thomas; Lucy married Hezzie Eugene Thomas, James Hubert married Rena Elizabeth Thomas, and Delos Penn.

In 1880, Robert M. and Susan Duncan lived next door to Susan's half brother, 21 year old James W. Knight and his wife 17 year old Cannanizer in Pine, Louisiana.

Robert Duncan, age 42, farmer, father birthplace North Carolina, mother birthplace Louisiana
Susan Duncan, wife, age 32, keeping house, father birthplace Louisiana, mother birthplace Louisiana
Dora L. Duncan, Dau, age 13, born Louisiana, at school
Garland M. C. Duncan, Son, age 12, at home
Robert M. C. Duncan, Son, age 10, at home
Marcius G. Duncan, Son, age 8, at home
Isa A. Duncan, son, age 7, at home
William P. Duncan, Son, age 7
Welcom B. Duncan, age 4
John M. Duncan, Son, age 2
Elizer O. Duncan, Dau, age 1 month

Source Information: Census Place 5th Ward, Washington Parish, 1880

2. Mary Anne (Polly) Knight - (born May 30, 1849 - died Feb. 20, 1923) married John Walton Duncan. Mary is buried in Nobles Cemetery. John Walton died August 8, 1905 in Maxie, Mississippi of kidney and bladder trouble. He is buried in the Griffin Cemetery in Maxie, Mississippi.

Mary Anne (Polly) Knight and John Walton Duncan had the following children:

Bill (William L. born 5-22-1866-died 7-5-1929 h/o Jennie Virgine Lott s/o John Walton Duncan & Mary Ann "Polly" Knight, buried in Mizell Cemetery), Ben, Mary Jane married Carter Williams, John Walton married a Talley, Drucella C. married William Stephenson Hines, "Abe" Martin Albert married Vanda Holmes, Dave married Ophelia Quave, Fannie Victoria married Boston J. Johnston, Jacob "Jake," James " Jim" Felix, Lucious Esco married Mary Elizabeth Rester, Thomas "Tom", Isaac Newton married Leota Crain.

n 1880, John Walton and Mary Duncan lived next door to Mary's uncle James Knight, his wife Nancy and their children in 3rd Ward, Washington Parish.

W. J. Duncan, age 38, born Mississippi, farmer, father birthplace North Carolina, mother birthbplace Mississippi

Mary Duncan, wife, age 32, born Louisiana, Keeping House, father birthplace Louisiana, mother birthplace Louisiana
Wm C. Duncan, son, age 14, at home
Ben C. Duncan, son, age 13
Mary J. Duncan, dau, age 11
D.C. Duncan, other, female, age 9
M. A. Duncan, son, age 8
David W. Duncan, son, age 7
Francis V. Duncan, dau, age 5
Jno. W. Duncan, son, age 4
Jacob Duncan, son, age 1 month

Source Information:
3rd Ward, Washington Parish, 1880

John W. Duncan, filed a pension application no. 528, dated 10-31-1898, for his service during the Civil War. He said that he was a native of Mississippi, born in Marion County in 1839, and he was currently a resident of Franklinton. He enlisted in Washington Parish in May, 1862 in Co. A, 9^th Battalion under Col. James Winfield and Capt. J. J. Slocum. He was never wounded, and he served until the close of the war. He was at Hazelhurst, Mississippi at the time of surrender. He was never a prisoner. He had been a resident of Louisiana for 57 years. He was married. The size of his family living with him was six. His wife was 54 years old, and his children were 15, 14, 12 & 10 years respectively. He had a total of 13 children; 10 sons and 3 daughters. He was a farmer earning $50.00. He, nor his wife, owned any property. He supported himself and his family "By my labor, a severe case of hernia." He had an attorney, R. B. Carter of Franklinton and 2 comrades for witnesses, Alex Jenkins and A C Pool, both of Franklinton.

John W. Duncan was never awarded his pension.

After her husband's death, Mary "Polly" Knight Duncan applied for a Widow's Application for Pension, application no. 10474, dated March 10, 1916.

Mary Duncan filed the application on March 9, 1916, with M. A. Thigpen, Clerk of Court of Washington Parish, La. She stated that she was 66 years old, a resident of Franklinton, widow of J. Walter Duncan who entered the service as J. W. Duncan at Franklinton in the spring of 1862 as a Private in Co. A, 9^th La. Battalion, serving honorably until the close of the war at which time she "thought" that he was out on a scout in Washington Parish, LA and until surrender he was in Washington Parish, LA. (Note: This would conflict with her husband's earlier account in which he said that he was in Hazelhurst, MS at time of surrender.) She said that they were married on the 28^th day of August, 1865 by Stephen Ellis, a preacher in Franklinton. John Duncan died the 8^th day of August 1905 at Maxie, MS. She had resided in Louisiana for 5 years next preceding the date of this application. At the time of her husband's death, the family was in indigent circumstances, and he was having kidney and bladder trouble. He was buried in Griffin Graveyard in Maxie, MS. She said that her only means of support was the help of her one legged son [Luke Duncan]. She owned no property, and had not conveyed any property to anyone. The two witnesses that she had for proof of her husband's service in the war were A. C. Pool and T. J. Sims, both from Franklinton.

A. W. Daniels also testified that he was well acquainted with Mary, widow of J. W. Duncan. He said that he knew of his own knowledge that J. W. Duncan had served in the Confederate Army, served throughout the war, and that he "thinks" that the said Duncan was at Gainesville, Alabama at the time of the surrender. Benjamin Passman and Jos. R. Givens also testified that they had served with J. W. Duncan and that the said Duncan surrendered at Gainesville, Alabama.

March 22, 1916, A. B. Booth, of the Commission of La. Military Records, T. W. Castleman, Commissioner, No. 604 Canal, La. Bank Bldg., New Orleans, LA wrote to Col. E. F. Brian, Sec., Pension Board, Baton Rouge, LA that Muster Roll of Co. A. 9th. Battn. La. Partisan Rangers, showed J. W. Duncan, Private, enlisted May 13th, 1862, at Camp Moore, for the war. He had a bounty of $50.00. Another Muster Roll (not dated) showed the same enlistment, with pay for horse, at 40 cents per day, $48.00. They found no other record of him. This company subsequently became the 3rd. Regt. La. Cavalry.

A letter of rejection was written to Mr. M. A. Thigpen, Franklinton, LA. "In regard to the application for pension, the Board has never seen it, they having refused to examine any new claims at their last sitting owing to the fact that there was no money to pay pensioners when they were placed on the roll, Mrs. Duncan is among the new applicants and shares with them in the action of the Board. There is no evidence of the service of J. W. Duncan after his enlistment and it would be well for you to get the services of your Congressman in the effort to get a record that would give the widow the pension. The affidavit of A. W. Daniels will not assist her because he says that "he believes that Duncan was at Gainesville". These affidavits should be more positive than that, and if Duncan was at Gainesville Ala when the war closed he was paroled there, and if this be true, the Records will show it and the widow will get the pension."

The last page that I have is where Lewis L. Morgan from the House of Representatives, Committee on Elections No. 3, Washington, D. C., dated August 2nd, 1916 asked the Adjutant General to furnish the record of service of J. W. Duncan.

Mary Duncan was denied the Pension on September 13, 1916, most probably for two reasons. First, the Board had run out of money to pay pensioners when they were placed on the roll and, also, because of the conflicting testimonies as to where her husband was at the time of surrender of the war. J. W. Duncan said that he was in Hazelhurst, MS at the time of surrender. Mary said that she thought that he was in Washington Parish, and the witnesses said they thought that he was in Gainesville, AL. You must note that many years had passed since the close of the war, and she only had fading memories to rely upon, and very poor state records were kept. Up to 20% of all Confederate Veterans' service was either never documented or the documentation for their service has been lost over time.

Click here to read a moving story of the hardships of Isaac Newton and Leoda Crain Duncan in making a living and rearing a family during the 1900s.

The story was written by Charles Jewel Duncan and contributed by his sister, Betty Ruth Duncan Pace. She also contributed the genealogy for Mary Ann "Polly" Knight and Walter J. Duncan's family which can be found at the end of the story.

Charles and Betty Ruth's parents were Isaac Newton Duncan and his wife Leoda Crain. Isaac was the youngest son of Mary Ann "Polly" Knight and John Walton Duncan.

3. William Penn Knight - (born Feb. 28, 1851- died Feb. 17, 1940) buried in Ellis Cemetery.

William Penn married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth E. Fisher who was the daughter of Benjamin Toney Fisher and his first wife Mary Magee. (born 12-9-1857-died 4-5-1889) buried in Zachariah Magee Cemetery on the property of Fred Jenkins near Enon. Elizabeth Fisher was the daughter of Benjamin Toney Fisher and his first wife Mary Magee.

William Penn Knight acquired 100 Acres from Benj. T. Fisher in 1883, Bk. 16, page 512. The records of the transaction were burned when the Franklinton Courthouse burned in 1897.

William Penn and Elizabeth E. Fisher had the following children:

Ella Knight (born 10-17-1873-died 1-19-1951) married John Miles Fussell (born 9-2-1871-died 11-4-1941). John was the son of Jamerson Fussell and Frances Bulloch. The Fussell family was in Washington Parish very early in its history. John and Ella are both buried in the Ellis Cemetery.

Their son, Denman Edward Fussell was born 3-18-1914, and married Arva T. Lillian.

Their daughter, Carrie F. Ginn (born 1-28-1903-died 12-30-1990) married Leonard L. Ginn and is buried in Ellis Cemetery.

12-19-1940 Fussell, Ella Knight; 77 years; born 10-17-1873; died 01-19-1951; Ellis Cemetery; Wife of John M. Fussell; Daughter of the late Billy Knight.

William Delos (b. 9-24-1878 - d. 9-2-1908) married Margana Mizell (b. 2-16-1875 - d. 8-14-1932, buried in Pamona Cemetery).

There is a land deed for William D. Knight in Washington Parish dated 05/20/1905 for 73.88 acres in section 7, Township 3.0S, Range 11.0E.

Mary Iona Knight Coyne (born 1877-died 1937) buried in the Ellis Cemetery.

3-25-1937: Mrs. Ione Coyne, daughter of W. P. Knight died Thursday while visiting her sons, Claude and Albert Simmons near Magnolia. Interment was in the Ellis Cemetery. She married Silas Dean Simmons (born 2-23-1875-died 6-21-1904, buried in Ellis Cemetery).

Lillie Vandora (born Sept. 18, 1881 - d. April 3, 1960 buried in Pamona Cemetery) married March 29, 1900 to William Averice Brooks (b. Oct. 15, 1878 - d Nov. 13, 1958) Their children were Bertha Brooks, T. C. (Talmer Collis), Eva Mae, and Myrtle Lee.

Benjamin Esco (born 8-23-1885-died 1-21-1958) married June 26, 1903 Leota Jenkins (born 4-9-1881-died 3-17-1967) buried in Ellis Cemetery.

Knight, B. Esco, 72 years; 01-21-1958; Ellis Cemetery; Husband of Leota J. Knight.

George Alton (born 2-24-1888-died 6-17-1971) married Laura Jenkins on Aug. 29, 1909 (born 4-4-1892-died 8-27-1943 d/o Charles A. & Melissa E. Wascomb Jenkins). George and Laura are buried in Ellis Cemetery.

Elizabeth E. Fisher died and William Penn Knight married the second time to Elizabeth Irene Brooks (born 8-24-1861-died 1-10-1937).

Elizabeth Irene Brooks and William Penn Knight had the following children:

Edith "Maude" Bartley of Raleigh, N.C. (b. 5-26-1892 - d. 4-29-1951) married Cullen McGuire Barkley; Vera Mae (born 9-26-1892-died 11-06-1971) buried in Ellis Cemetery, married Excie C. Bannister; Velma Cordelia (b. 7-25-1897 - d. 3-13-1982) married Ezeckial "Zeke" McGehee 3-23-1922; Otto "Purcell" (b. 8-14-1899 - d. 2-26-1971); and Elva (born 8-28-1901-died 11-22-1994), married Ethyle Crowe (born 10-23-1902-died 12-31-1998) and twin Elra (b. 8-28-1901 - d. 11-19-1901), Aldolphus Dupree (b. 5-21-1895 - d. 1-7-1948) married Mildred Shoemaker Dec. 27, 1919.

O. (Otto) Purcell Knight, b. 8-14-1899, d. 2-26-1971 was a Mason. He was the son of Elizabeth Irene Brooks and Wiliam Penn "Billy" Knight. He married Ina Lee Renfroe, b. 1-24-1904, d. 1-5-1981. They are both buried in Ellis Cemetery in Washington Parish. The cemetery is located North on Bene Street in Franklinton, just inside the city limits, going towards Clifton, LA.

Purcell and Ina Knight's son L. C. Knight, b. 11-21-1927, d. 10-9-1951, served in the Korean War as LA. PFC 38 inf., 2 inf. Div.

O. Purcell and Ina Knight's son William Otto Knight died in 1986.

William Otto Knight
May 26, 1986

BOGALUSA - William Otto Knight, 62, a resident of 16th Avenue, Franklinton, died at 7:30 p.m. May 26th, at the Riverside Medical Center. He was a retired employee of Dairymen, Inc., in Franklinton; a member of the First Baptist Church; a veteran of World War II; and Past Commander of the Latimore Passman Post 7196 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by two sons, William J. "Rusty" Knight and Kenneth P. "Dusty" Knight, both of Franklinton; three sisters, Mrs. Olean Corkern, Mrs. J. S. (Christine) Thomas, and Mrs. Maudie Clancey, all of Franklinton; a brother, Wayne Knight of Baton Rouge; and five grandchildren. The body lay in state at the Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton until the time for funeral services, which were conducted Wednesday, May 28th, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Dr. Jerry Barlow officiating. Interment was in the Ellis Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Corkern, Jeff Corkern, Reed Corkern, Russell Knight, Leroy Creel, and Richard Dillon.

Christine Knight was the daughter of O. (Otto) Purcell Knight and Ina Lee Renfroe.

Christine Knight Thomas
Died July 14, 2000

FRANKLINTON-Christine Knight Thomas, 70, of Franklinton, died at 7:45 p.m. Friday at her home.

A member of First Baptist Church, she was a retired vice-president and cashier with First State Bank, where she had worked for 40 years.

Survivors include her husband, J.S. Thomas of Franklinton; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald D. and Kristie Thomas of New Orleans and Dennis and Anna Thomas of Shreveport; four grandchildren, Alicia, Meaghan, Derrick and Jessica Thomas; one brother, Wayne Knight of Franklinton; one sister, Olean Cockern of Franklinton; and five sisters-in-law.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Purcell and Ina Knight.

Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton yesterday from 6-10 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Dr. Jerry Barlow, Dr. Joe Baugh and the Rev. Carl Tingle will conduct the service and burial will follow in the Thomas Cemetery in Thomas.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Thomas Cemetery Fund, in c/o Harold L. Thomas, 50216 Lawerence Creek Road, Franklinton, LA, 70438.

2-28-1924: Vera Mae Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Knight married 2-16 in Raleigh, N. C. to Excie C. Bannister, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charley Bannister. Their children were Maude; Vera Mae (buried in Ellis Cemetery b. 9-26-1892, d. 11-6-1971, EASTERN STAR, w/o Excie C. Dupree);

Buried in the Ellis Cemetery is Vera Mae and EC Bannister's daughter, Virginia Mae, Bannister (born-11-16-1924-died 7-20-1926) g/d/o M/M WP Knight; Velma; Purcell; and Elva (born 8-28-1901-died 11-22-1994), married Ethyle Crowe (born 10-23-1902-died 12-31-1998).

07-22-1926 - Little Virginia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Bainster of Norfolk, Va., died Tuesday, at the age of 1 year, 8 months, and 4 days, following severe burns sustained Thursday, when she fell into a bucket of scalding water while staying at the grandparent's home, Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Knight of Franklinton. Interment in the Ellis cemetery.

02-14-1929 - Born to Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Bannister on February 2nd, a son, weighing 8 pounds. Mrs. Bannister is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Knight.

1-14-37 - Mrs. Irene (Dutch) Knight, wife of W. P. Knight, died Sunday at the age of 75 years. Survivors are her husband, 6 stepchildren, and 6 of her own children. She was the former Irene Brooks. Her twin sister, Mrs. Aderine Fisher survives. Interment is in the Ellis Cemetery.

Feb 22, 1940 - William Penn Knight, resident of the 6th ward, died Saturday. Interment was in the Ellis Cemetery. He was 88 years, 11 months and 17 days old. Survivors are his 11 children, Mrs. John M. Fussell, Mrs. Ed Bailey, Mrs. EC Bannister, and Miss Elva Knight, Esco, Alton, Purcell, and Dupree Knight, all of Franklinton, Mrs. W.A. Brooks and Mrs. Zeke McGehee of Bogalusa, and Mrs. Maude Bartley of Raleigh, N.C., and a number of great grandchildren and other relatives.

Mary Ann Jenkins Knight died and William Knight married for his second wife, Martha Nobles. William Knight and Martha Nobles had the following children:

1. Rev. George C. Knight (b. 3-5-1861 - d. 4-18-1957) married Eva Lillian Adams (b. 12-20-1859 - d. 11-24-1927) married 12-20-1882. They are both buried in Adams Cemetery. They had the following children:

William Oscar (b. 3-11-1884 - d 5-12-1937) buried in Bouie Smith Cemetery; Sarah Elizabeth "Sallie" (b. 5-28-1886 - d. 7-15-1976 md. 11-25-1903 Daniel Jeptha Schilling (b. 10-15-1884 - d. 1-15-1960. buried in Ponemah Cem - their children were Lucille who married a Thomas, Veonia who married an Ambruster and Lawson; Andrew Escoe (b. 7-3-1889 - d. 7-29-1926) md. Effie Dillon; According to his brother Oscar's obituary, Andrew Escoe was once a State Senator. Robert Joseph (b. 11-30-1891 - d. 9-19-1944) buried in Adams Cem. md. 2-13-1910 Dixie Lorena Crain (b. 2-13-1892 - d. 3-27-1987), Clara Pearl (b. 2-27-1895 - d. 8-17-1974), Thomas Corkern Knight (b. 9-8-1898 - d. 3-10-1960) buried in Ponemah Cem. married Edna Christine Farr (b. 12-28-1903 - d. 2-1-1932) buried in Ponemah Cemetery;

Willis James (b. 11-28-1900 - d. 4-2-1940) buried in Adams Cemetery. md. 3-19-1918 Essie Breland (b. 3-13-1902 - d. 10-29-1981).

05-20-1937 W. Oscar Knight of Angie, died Wednesday at age 52 years. He was the son of the late Rev. George Knight, and a brother of State Senator, A.E. Knight (Andrew Escoe). Survivors are his wife, 8 children, 4 brothers, and 2 sisters. Interment was in the Smith cemetery.

2. Sarah Knight married Frank Breland.

3. James W. Knight married Cannanizer Hines. They lived near Pine, Louisiana, about 3 miles north of Hwy. 10, on Hwy 62.

I came across some information about an old, neglected cemetery near Pine, Louisiana shortly after I began researching the Knight Family of Washington Parish, Louisiana. It only included directions to the cemetery and a list of the graves of J. W. Knight "Father", Mrs. J. W. Knight "Mother", and 3 more women and infant twins.

My goal at that time was to gather information about William Plummer Knight's family, but, I couldn't stop thinking about that old neglected cemetery and the family buried there who had long been forgotten; and I kept getting drawn back to that family.

James W. Knight was William Plummer Knight's first cousin. He was the son of Charles and Susannah Knight's oldest son William and his wife Martha Nobles. If you are related to this family and you live near Pine, Louisiana, please stop by the cemetery and visit James and Cannanizer and their children. Perhaps you could leave a flower on their graves. Tell them that we have not forgotten them.

James W. Knight married Cannanizer Hines about 1879/1880. They lived near Pine, Louisiana, about 3 miles north of Hwy. 10, on Hwy 62. Go about 1/3 mile past Pope Road, toward Pine. Their property is on the same side as Pope Road.

The family cemetery is also on this property. James Knight, his wife Cannanizer, 3 of their daughters Mary Jane, Delia and Lizzie and the infant twins of Lizzie are buried in this unmarked cemetery.

You can read more about the family of James W. and Cannanizer Knight by clicking here.

4. Monroe Knight (born 1863-died 1/17/1945 - volume 18, death certificate #1222) buried in Nobles Cemetery. He was 81 years old. He married Laura Pigott (born 1866-died 1952), daughter of Nathaniel W. Pigott. They are both buried in Nobles Cemetery. Their children were Aletha K. "Letha" b. 12-10-1891 d. 5-5-1970 married Isom Mizell m. 10-6-1929 - Isom b. 1880 d. 1952, Leorh married a Seals, Author, Mecie married a Corkern, Gertrude married a Jenkins and Edna married Howard Weeks.

There is a land deed for Monroe N. Knight in Washington Parish, LA dated 01/12/1897 for 159.71 acres in Section 10, Township 2.0S, Range 12.0E.

There use to be a school called Knight's Branch School, located in (Ward 4 - White) Right at Hwy. 10 on Hwy. 62. Right on Monroe Knight Road. Located in this vicinity.

Laura's daughter Aletha K. (born 12-10-1891-died 5-5-1970, married Isom Mizell on 10-6-1929, buried in Mizell Cemetery)

7-5-1906: On Wednesday, June 27^th at 11 o'clock, the Angel of death visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Pigott of Varnado, La. and took away its victim, Mr. Pigott's aged father, Nathaniel W. Pigott. He was born in La 3-17-1825 and resided in the state almost all of his life. He was one of the oldest Masons in the parish, being a member at the time of his death of the Pearl River Lodge, and was since early manhood, a devout member and deacon of the Baptist church. Mr. Pigott had 8 children whom are living as follows: Dr. Piggott of Covington; N. E., J. T., A. A., and T. E. Pigott of Varnado, W. J. Pigott of Texas; Mme. M. J. Mitchell and Laura Knight.

5. Jane Knight married Ira Pope. Their children were Wilbur Pope, and Ophelia who married Robert Burris whose children were Dorothy Burris who married Warren Seal and Elaine Burris.

6. Charlie Knight (born 1-6-1873-died 3-23-1939) buried in Nobles Cemetery. Charlie Knight married Mecie Martin. KNIGHT, CHARLIE C., b. 1-6-1873, d. 3-23-1939 at Pine, LA., h/o Meacie M. Knight. Their children were Irey Knight who 1^st married a Minze whose children were Vera Knight Holland and Myrtis Knight Branch; and Talmadge Knight who married Addis McCain; and a son Charlie C. who died when he was 12 years old. Their son Charlie C. (b. 12-8-1902, d. 12-23-1912) is also buried in Nobles Cemetery.

Mecie Martin later married Jordan Cooper. She is also buried in the Nobles Cemetery. COOPER, MEACIE M. KNIGHT, MRS., b. 6-3-1880, d. 11-11-1965, w/o Charlie C. Knight & Jordan Cooper. Jordan Cooper is also buried in the Nobles Cemetery. COOPER, JORDAN, b. 12-8-1905, d. 7-23-1987, h/o Olivia Crain & Meacie M. Knight, s/o George H. & Martha L. Hunt.

7. Marion T. Knight (born 8-26-1866-died 12-25-1947) buried in Ellis Cemetery. His marker reads: Knight, Marion T., b. 8-26-1866, d. 12-25-1947, Masonic Emb., h/o Leah L. Corkern & Frances L. Breland.)

There is a land deed for Marion T. Knight in Washington Parish, LA dated 02/14/1894 for 168.12 acres in Section 9, Township 2.0S, Range 12.0E.

Marion's first wife was Frances Breland. (KNIGHT, FRANCIS A., b. 5-9-1871, d. 9-24-1907, w/o M. T. Knight) Frances is buried in the Nobles Cemetery.

Two of their children are also buried there. Albert M., son of M. T. & F. A. Knight Dec. 4, 1895 - Sept. 4, 1896
KNIGHT, C. J., Son of M. T. & F. A. Knight Dec. 10, 1891 - Sept. 18, 1907 (His mother Fannie died 6 days later.) Their other children were W. E. "Billie" Knight who married Mima Letchworth and Wilbur Knight who married 1st Zula Hennesy and 2nd Ethel Crowe.

Another daughter, Annie (born 2-22-1888-died 9-1-1961, buried in the Lang-Simmons Cemetery) married Lucius T. Simmons (born 12-29-1883-died 9-9-1963, buried in Lang-Simmons Cemetery). They married 11-17-1904.

Frances died and Marion married Leah Corkern (born 1-31-1884-died 7-11-1959, d/o Charles T. & Mary J. Magee Corkern.) They married 11-11-1908.

NP art dated June 12, 1924 - Born 6-2 to Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Knight, a 9 1/2 lb. boy, William Knight, Jr.

The mother of W. E. Knight's wife Mima, Comeal Miller Letchworth, born 7-23-1856, died 4-26-1934 near Spring Hill. She married more than 58 years ago to Roan Letchworth. Interment was in the Latchworth cemetery. William E. Knight married Mima Letchworth Feb. 27, 1908.

Knight, William E., Sr. (Bill), 64 years; 02-03-1954; Ellis Cemetery.

Wilbur W. Knight married Zula Jennesy Sept. 19, 1914.

Feb. 12, 1925 Franklinton Camp W.O.W. #254, installed the following officers for the ensuing year.....MT Knight.....

2-25-1937 John T. Corkern died Wednesday in Baton Rouge, at the age of 41 years, and was the son of the late Rev. and Mrs. CT Corkern. He married Vernice Bateman, daughter of the late D.L. Bateman. Survivors are his wife, brother, 5 sisters, Mrs. MT Knight, Mrs. CJ Gayer, Mrs. W.M. Edwards of Franklinton, Mrs. I.J. Crain of Baton Rouge, Miss. Annette Corkern of Hazlehurst, Ms. Interment was in the Ellis cemetery.

Knight, Leah Lenora Corkern, 75 years; Funeral 07-12-1959; Ellis Cemetery.

NOTE: Information compiled by the Oushola Chapter of the DAR had Marion as the son of James Knight (who is the son of Charles Knight. A Bogalusa newspaper article dated 10-03-1935 (see below); referring to James W. Knight's death states that Marion T. Knight was his brother. Also, Charles C. Knight's obituary includes Marion as one of his brothers. James W. and Charles C. were Marion's brothers.

10-03-1935 James W. Knight, 78 years of age, and a resident of Pine, died last Friday. He married 55 years ago to Cannanizer Hines. Six children were born, 3 surviving: Dr. W.H. Knight, Mrs. J.W. Oxford, and Mrs. John Dees. 6 grandchildren, 1 of whom they raised, Mrs. W.L. Crain; 4 brothers, George, Monroe, C.C. (Charlie), and MT Knight (Marion); 1 sister, Mrs. IL Pope (Jane); 1 half brother, WP Knight (William Penn). Interment was in the family cemetery.

3-30-1939 Charles C. Knight, 66 years of age, died at his home in Pine on March 23^rd. Survivors are his wife, 4 children, Ira Knight, Mrs. Myrtis Branch, Mrs. Vera Holloway of Ark., Mrs. Talmadge McCain; 1 sister, Mrs. Ira T. Pope; 4 brothers; G.C., MN, and MT Knight. Interment was in the Nobles cemetery.

Charles and Susannah Knight's children continued:

II. Melvina Knight (born 3-6-1825-died 12-7-1897) buried in Crain Cemetery - State Line. She married John C. Crain of Pine. John Crain (grave marker reads: born 9-15-1821-died 10-19-1902, buried in Crain Cemetery - State Line, s/o Dennis Crain and Nancy Wheeler).

The 1880 Census shows the family living in 5th Ward, Washington Parish:

John Crain, age 59, born Louisiana, farmer, father born North Carolina, mother born North Carolina

Melviny Crain, age 55, born Mississippi (should be Louisiana), keeping house, father born TN (should be Virginia) mother born TN (should be Georgia or possibly Covington, Louisiana)

Selena Crain, Dau, age 17, born Louisiana, father born Louisiana, mother born MS (should be Louisiana)

William Crain, son, age 12, born Louisiana

Frances Ann Crain, Dau, age 6, born Louisiana

Melvina Knight and John Crain had the following children:

1. Susan Crain(born 4-10-1857-died 10-20-1896), She was the wife of J. Preston Thomas.

2. W. C. (Warren "War")Crain (born 1-6-1855-died 6-23-1924) married Arcada Thomas. He is buried in "War" Crain Cemetery.

3. Francis Aner Elizabeth Crain, born October 04, 1874, and died July 04, 1911 in Washington Parish, LA. She married Abner Stafford, b. April 22, 1873, Washington Parish, LA; d. September 8, 1947, Bogalusa, LA. Abner was the son of Stephen Stafford, Jr. and Anna Stacey Corkern. Stephen Stafford, Jr. was the son of Stephen Stafford and Jane Knight, daughter of Charles and Susannah Knight.

Children of ABNER STAFFORD and FRANCIS CRAIN:

1. THOMAS WILLY STAFFORD married Ethel. Thomas and Ethel had a son Walter Stafford who died in World War II in Europe.

2. WILLIAM HEZZIE STAFFORD married Bertha Passman. There children were Ouida Stafford, Evelyn Stafford and William Lavelle Stafford.

3. JEWEL PERCY STAFFORD, b. June 16, 1905, Washington Parish, LA; d. June 1968, Bogalusa, LA. He married Willie Mae.

Newspaper article: Memorial services were officiated by the Rev. Milton Fleming at the chapel of the Poole Funeral Home, Bogalusa, LA. Interment was in Hillview Memorial Gardens. Jewel was a deacon in the Ben's Ford Baptist Church.

Children of Jewel and Willie Mae Stafford: Percy Ray Stafford and Mildred Stafford.

4. FLOYD OTTO STAFFORD, b. February 04, 1908, Franklinton, LA; d. May 04, 1973, Bogalusa, LA. He married Zola Mae Adams. She was born April 20, 1912 in Bogalusa, LA and died October 31, 1982 in Bogalusa, LA.

Floyd and Zola Mae Stafford had the following children:

Edna Evelyn Stafford, born June 29, 1928, Washington Parish, LA; married Loran Passman, March 10, 1947; born March 22;

Floy Dell Stafford, b. November 20, 1932, Bogalusa, LA; m. Claude Ernest Bush, December 26, 1950; b. February 17, 1929;

Robert Leroy Stafford, b. March 12, 1930, Washington Parish, LA; m. first Faye Kaiser; m. second Vera Mae Gee, December 02, 1950;

Harrell Luther Stafford, b. August 23, 1934, Washington Parish, LA; m. first Joy; m. second Joan Francis Davis, December 22, 1955, Cutback, MT;

Jackie Wayne Stafford, b. August 13, 1937, Washington Parish, LA; m. Patsy Cole;

Gloria Ann Stafford, b. March 27, 1939, Washington Parish, LA; m. Dave Iversteine;

Brenda Mae Stafford, b. June 19, 1945, Washington Parish, LA; m. Charles Peterman.

5. GRACE STAFFORD.

6. IDA MAE STAFFORD, m. SPURGEN HUNT.

MARTHA STAFFORD, daughter of Ida Mae Stafford, raised by grandparent's, Abner Stafford and Francis Crain because Ida Mae was only 16 years old when she was born and unmarried. Martha married Wallace Thompson.

Martha and Wallace Thompson have a daughter, Linda Scott who married John Farnsworth Scott. They have two children, Nichelle Lee Scott and Johnathan Matthew Scott. They live in Phoenix, AZ.

7. CHARLIE OSCAR STAFFORD, b. December 16, 1906, Pine, LA; d. September 05, 1964, Gulfport, MS. He married Charity Beckie Jane Pitman December 26, 1927 in Tylertown, MS, daughter of Jesse Felix Pittman and Susan Jane O'Quinn. Charity was born April 04, 1903, and died August 23, 1983 in Gulfport, MS.

Notes for CHARLIE OSCAR STAFFORD:

Charlie Stafford was a timber inspector for the A. W. Williams Inspection Company of Gulfport, MS. He was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Bogalusa, LA. He is buried in Evergreen Gardens in Gulfport, MS. Pallbearers at his funeral were Paul Stogner, Leverte Stogner, Marvin Moore, Heinz Buseck, Keith Pittman and LeRoy Pittman. His address at the time of death was 2400 22nd Ave., Gulfport, MS. Officiating at his memorial service were the Rev. Renus Vanderly of Trinity Church on Tennessee Street in Gulfport, and the Rev. Bill Duncan, pastor of Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Gulfport.

Children of Charlie and Charity Stafford are:

HARLON CHARLES STAFFORD, born September 19, 1931, Bogalusa, LA

DOROTHY RAE STAFFORD, born July 07, 1937, Bogalusa, LA; died September 18, 1990

Charles and Susannah Knight's children continued:

III. Jane Knight (born Feb. 1827-died Nov. 26, 1905) buried in Enon Cemetery.

Jane Knight married probably four times. Her first marriage was to Steve Stafford.
Jane and Steve had the following children: Stephen Stafford (1848 - 1923 buried in Enon) married Anna Stacey Corkern (1855 - 1921 buried in Enon) and Sarah (Sis) Stafford married a Hunt. So far I haven't been able to find which Hunt Sarah married, but I found an interesting lawsuit made by the Hunt family of Bogalusa.

James Hunt's Homestead of 640 acres or more, said to have been the site of the present day city of Bogalusa, was taken over by a large lumber company and this loss was the cause of a successful lawsuit brought by some of his heirs against this company. (Delitha Hunt, et als, vs. Great Southern Lumber Co., # 1350, suit record book no. 3, p. 55, filed 24 Sept. 1909, Washington Parish.)

The following information about Stephen Stafford, Jr. and his descendants was contributed by a descendant of Stephen Stafford, Jr..

Steve Stafford and Jane Knight's son STEPHEN STAFFORD, Jr. was born Abt. 1849; died April 02, 1921. He married ANNA STACEY CORKERN. She was born Abt. 1855 in Washington Parish, and died June 15, 1928. Stephen Stafford, Jr. married second Margaine. He married third Gertrude Duncan. Gertrude was born March 22, 1892, and died 1959.

Stephen Stafford and Anna Stacey Corkern had a son named ABNER STAFFORD, b. April 22, 1873, Washington Parish, LA; d. September 08, 1947, Bogalusa, LA.

Abner Stafford married first FRANCIS ANNA ELIZABETH CRAIN, daughter of JOHN CRAIN and MELVANA KNIGHT. Frances Anna Elizabeth Crain was born October 04, 1874, and died July 04, 1911 in Washington Parish, LA.

Abner's second wife was Ella Magee, born March 20, 1892 and died February 19, 1929. Abner later married Gertrude Jordan, also from Bogalusa.

Children of ABNER STAFFORD and FRANCIS CRAIN:

1. THOMAS WILLY STAFFORD married Ethel. Thomas and Ethel had a son Walter Stafford who died in World War II in Europe.

2. WILLIAM HEZZIE STAFFORD married Bertha Passman. There children were Ouida Stafford, Evelyn Stafford and William Lavelle Stafford.

3. JEWEL PERCY STAFFORD, b. June 16, 1905, Washington Parish, LA; d. June 1968, Bogalusa, LA. He married Willie Mae.

Newspaper article: Memoria services were officated by the Rev. Milton Fleming at the chapel of the Poole Funderal Home, Bogalusa, LA. Interment was in Hillview Memorial Gardens. Jewel was a deacon in the Ben's Ford Baptist Church.

Children of Jewel and Willie Mae Stafford: Percy Ray Stafford and Mildred Stafford.

Floyd and Zola Mae Stafford had the following children:

Edna Evelyn Stafford, born June 29, 1928, Washington Parish, LA; married Loran Passman, March 10, 1947; born March 22;

Floy Dell Stafford, b. November 20, 1932, Bogalusa, LA; m. Claude Ernest Bush, December 26, 1950; b. February 17, 1929;

Robert Leroy Stafford, b. March 12, 1930, Washington Parish, LA; m. first Faye Kaiser; m. second Vera Mae Gee, December 02, 1950;

Harrell Luther Stafford, b. August 23, 1934, Washington Parish, LA; m. first Joy; m. second Joan Francis Davis, December 22, 1955, Cutback, MT;

Jackie Wayne Stafford, b. August 13, 1937, Washington Parish, LA; m. Patsy Cole;

Gloria Ann Stafford, b. March 27, 1939, Washington Parish, LA; m. Dave Iversteine;

Brenda Mae Stafford, b. June 19, 1945, Washington Parish, LA; m. Charles Peterman.

5. GRACE STAFFORD.

6. IDA MAE STAFFORD, m. SPURGEN HUNT.

Martha and Wallace Thompson have a daughter, Linda Scott who married John Farnsworth Scott. They have two children, Nichelle Lee Scott and Johnathan Matthew Scott. They live in Phoenix, AZ.

Notes for CHARLIE OSCAR STAFFORD:

Children of Charlie and Charity Stafford are:

HARLON CHARLES STAFFORD, born September 19, 1931, Bogalusa, LA

DOROTHY RAE STAFFORD, born July 07, 1937, Bogalusa, LA; died September 18, 1990

Jane married a second time to Daniel Percy Jenkins who was the son of Abner Jenkins, Sr. (There is a double marker at the Enon Cemetery: Left Side: Daniel P. Jenkins Nov. 27, 1827 - July 7, 1863 age 35 yrs. 8 mos. - Jenkins - Right side: Jane Knight wife of P. Y. Wascom Feb. 1827 - Nov. 26, 1905 - Wascom ). They had the following children:

1. Richard Jenkins (Marker in Enon Cemetery reads: Aug. 22, 1861 - May 22, 1943) married Flora Simmons (marker in Enon Cemetery reads: Mar. 25, 1865 - June 26, 1961).

2. Mary Jane Jenkins (b. 1856-d. July 11, 1935 in Hancock Co., MS) married John Travis Pigott. They had 11 children.

3. Susan Elizabeth Jenkins (born 5-16-1861-died 8-1-1920) married Rev. Earlie Corkern. They had 10 children.

4. Charles Abner Jenkins (b. 11-12-1852 - d. 6-30-1937) (called Corn Crib Charlie) married Elizabeth Waskum.

5. Nancy Permellia Jenkins (Enon Cemetery marker: "Mother" Nancy P. Jenkins Mar. 6, 1864 - Dec. 12, 1955) married Charles Corkern (Enon Cemetery marker: M. C. Corkern Aug. 4, 1859 - Oct. 5, 1919).

I believe that Jane married James Waskom after the death of Daniel Jenkins. The 1870 Census has her living next door to her brother George Knight.

Census 1870 - Washington Parish

James Waskom
estimated birth year: 1828
gender: Male
age in 1870: 42y
color: White
birthplace: Louisiana
home in 1870: Louisiana - Washington Parish
Household:
James Waskom - 42y - Birth Place Louisiana
Jane Waskom - 41y - Birth Place Louisiana
Martha Waskom - 18y
William Waskom - 16y
Thomas Waskom - 14y
James Waskom - 5y
Stephen Stafford - 31y
Chs Jenkins - 16y
Maryann Jenkins - 14y
Susan Jenkins - 11y
Richard Jenkins - 8y
Nancy Jenkins - 6y
Jasper Barber - 30y born Mississippi
Cassandra Barber - 28y - born Louisiana
Orville Barber - 8y
Harn Barber - 4y
Frances Barber - 2y
James Barber - 11m

Note: The Jenkins children were from Jane's marriage to her second husband Daniel P. Jenkins.

The 1880 Census of Washington Parish has her living in 4th Ward, Washington Parish.

James Waskom
Census
1880
4th Ward, Washington, Louisiana
Male
61 Married
Farmer
American
head of household
born Louisiana 1819
spouse: Jane Waskom
spouse's birthplace: Mississippi
father's birthplace: Louisiana
mother's name: Susan Waskom mother's birthplace: Louisiana

James Waskom - 61
Jane Waskom - 52
Nancy Waskom - 16
James Waskom - 15
Susan Waskom - 79
Jno. Hunt - 21 - servant

The Washington Parish Census of 1900 has her living with her husband P Y Wascom. She had been married to him for 15 years (about 1885.) On the 1870 Census in Washington Parish ther is a P "J" Waslom in the household of Mary Leonard.

P J Wascom
born 1825
45y
White
born Louisiana
home in 1870 Louisiana
Household
Mary Leonard 26y born Maryland
Edward Leonard 9 y - born Louisiana
Minnie Leonard 5 y - born Louisiana
P J Wascom - 45y - born Louisiana
J C Yerkes 63y - born New York

Census Records Washington Parish 1900

Residence 1900 ED 99 Ward 4
Jane Wascom born Feb 1827 in Louisiana
spouse Pearson Y Wascom born September 1828 in Louisiana
Jane's father's birth place Georgia
Jane's mother's birth place South Carolina
married 15 years - about 1885
mother of 7 children - 5 living

Charles and Susannah Knight's children continued:

IV. James (Jockey Jim) Knight (born March 16, 1829-died March 16,1915, married Nancy Blackwell (born Nov. 1, 1832-died 10-25-1896) They are both buried in Enon Cemetery.

Jockey Jim's middle name was probably Stephen. His name was written once on his Civil War pension application as James S Knight, and one of his sons was named James Stephen Knight, Jr. A descendant of Joseph Knight who was the father of Jockey Jim's father Charles Knight, said that Joseph Knight's middle name was Stephen, so Jockey Jim was probably named after him. This information about Joseph Knight's middle name was found in the Statesboro Library in Bulloch County, Georgia. Charles' Knight's brother Joseph, Jr. also named one of his sons Alexander "Stephen" Knight according Joseph, Jr.'s will of 1871.

Jockey Jim and his wife, Nancy Blackwell, lived in Pine, La. They traveled by horse and buggy, several miles each way, to attend Enon Baptist Church. Nancy was a very large woman, weighing over 300 pounds. Jockey Jim cut a tree and left a stump near the church so that, when they arrived for church, Nancy was able to get out of the buggy and onto the ground by stepping onto the stump first.

Church members would lean over the high back benches to pray during services at Enon Baptist Church. One day while everyone, including Nancy, was leaning over the bench in prayer, Nancy had a heart attach and died. No one knew that she was dead until they were finished with their prayers.

After Nancy died, Jockey Jim stayed with his children. He spent a lot of time at his sons' Plummer and "Peg Jim" James' homes. They both lived in Sheridan.

Jockey Jim was a Mason. He was the 1^st Tyler. A Tyler was the guard on the outside of the door of the Masonic Hall.

James "Jockey Jim" never lived in the same place for more than 5 or 6 years. He always lived around Pine. Once he lived about 6 miles south west of Pine near a water mill in the swamp. He built the water mill to grind his corn.

Jockey Jim loved to hunt turkeys. One time when he went out into the woods hunting, his son heard his gun go off and thought that he had better go look for his old father before he hurt himself. Jockey Jim had killed two turkeys in the head with one shot. His son saw him coming with two turkeys thrown over his shoulder. Memories by Alvin Knight

(Np art dated 3-18-1915: James Knight, Sr., born in Washington Parish on 3-16-1829, died on 3-16.) He married Nancy Blackwell (born Nov. 1, 1832-died 10-25-1896, buried in Enon Cemetery).

James Knight was the son of Charles (Charley) Knight and Susannah (Susie) Williams. James Knight died March 16, 1915 of heart disease. He was 86 years old. J. S. Pierce was the coroner. He was buried in the Enon Cemetery the following day, March 17, 1915. The death certificate has James' father Charles Knight born in Georgia. Charles was only about 3 years old when his family moved to Bulloch County, Georgia from Virginia (around 1788.) Charles remained in Georgia until he was about 25 years old at which time he moved to Washington Parish, LA. James Knight's son William Plummer gave the information that is on the death certificate.

Jockey Jim was staying with his son William Plummer Knight when he became very sick and decided that he wanted to go home. Plummer tried to get him to stay with him, but Jockey Jim said that if he didn't take him home, he would go on his own. It was a very cold day when Plummer put his father in the back of a wagon and brought him back to his own home. He died shortly afterward. Memories of Alvin Knight

A copy of Jockey Jim Knight's Civil War Pension Application can be seen by clicking here.

In the 1863 School Census of 1863 James Knight has 3 males in school district 9.

1870 Census - Washington Parish

James Knight
born 1825
Male
45y
White
Louisiana - birthplace
home in 1870 Louisiana
Hosehold
James Knight 45y - born Louisiana
Nancy Knight 36y - born Louisiana
John Knight 16y
George Knight 14y
William Knight 12y
Calvin Knight 10y
Warren Knight 8y
Susanne Knight 4y
Charles Knight 1y

The following is the 1850 Census for Nancy Blackwell's family.

James Blackwell, age 37, (Nancy's father) Farmer 900 acres born in Kentucky; Emily Blackwell, age 35, born in Louisiana; Nancy Blackwell, age 17, born in Louisiana; John Blackwell, age 13, Born in LA; ? Blackwell, age 10, born in LA; Steptoe Blackwell, age 8, born in LA; Elizabeth, age 6, born in LA; Cordelia, age 4, born in LA.

Blackwell Family

First Generation - Hon. Joseph Blackwell, the progenitor of the Virginia family, was of the "The Poplars," Northumberland Co.; he was a graduate of Oxford and came to the Colony in 1636, being sent over as King's Surveyor; he played an important part in the early history of the country. He was a staunch Royalist, and a firm and liberal supporter of the established Church. He also owned "Walnut Lodge"; and it is here that many of the family are buried. The original seal, with the Blackwell arms, is now in possession of one of his descendants, Edgar Blackwell, of Northumberland Co. Va. His wife's name is not known and their heir appears to be Samuel Blackwell.

Second Generation - Hon. Samuel Blackwell (son of Joseph Blackwell) of "Walnut Lodge" Northumberland Co. Va., b.1680-9-1623; d.1732-8-1705; was a prominent influential citizen in affairs of Church and State; a Vestryman and Justice; m.1710 Margery (Downing) Hudnall, widow of Jos. Hudnal and dau. of Hon.William Downing, of Northumberland Co. Va., and had the following issue, and perhaps others.

Children: Samuel, William, Joseph, Eliza, and Hannah.

Third Generation - Capt. Samuel Blackwell, b.1710/1 (son of Hon. Samuel Blackwell, grandson of Hon. Joseph Blackwell) of Northumberland Co. Va., b.Jan.19 1710/1; d.1762-10-17; was a prominent influential citizen in affairs of both Church and State; was a Vesterman and a Burgess, May 6 1742, Sept.4, 1744, and Feb. 20, 1745, and of the Assembly from 1742 to 1747; made will Oct, 16, 1761; m. Elizabeth Steptoe, b.1713 daughter of John and Elizabeth (Eustace) Steptoe.

Children: Samuel, John, William, Joseph, Elizabeth, James, and Ann.

Fourth Generation - James Blackwell was born.1-30-1743 m.3-3-1766 his first cousin Ann Blackwell, daughter of William Blackwell and Elizabeth Crum Mar 8 1766. Ann died after 1810 in Henry Co. KY - James died after 1818.

They had ten children: William, Robert, Steptoe, Sarah, James, Elizabeth, Susannah, Thornton, and Nancy.

Fifth Generation - Thornton Blackwell was born in 1785 in Jefferson, Kentucky, the son of James Blackwell and Ann Blackwell. He married Permelia Godman April 1810 in Harrison Co, Ky. She was born in 1791 in South Carol, Kentucky the daughter of Jeremiah Godman and Dorcus. Permelia died April 26, 1877 in Pike Co., MS and was buried in Pittman Cemetery in Walthall Co., MS. Thornton died June 15, 1855 in Washington Parish, LA.

They had ten children: James, America, Nancy, William, Cordella, Steptoe, Evangeline, Samuel A., Louisa, and Cynthia.

Sixth Generation - James Blackwell Sr. born Jan 8,1811., son of Thornton Blackwell and Permelia Godman married Emily Crain (daughter of Dennis Crain and Nancy Wheeler) in St Tammany parish, La. James died May 23, 1891, and Emily died May 8, 1882 - both in St. Tammany Parish, LA.

They had nine children: John B., Nancy, Jesse, Melta Steptoe, Elizabeth, Cordelia, Martin, Linna Emeline, and James B.

Seventh Generation - Nancy Blackwell, the daughter of James Blackwell and Emily Crain, was born in Washington Parish, LA. Nov 1, 1832. She married James "Jockey Jim" Knight in 1851. He was the son of Charles and Susannah Knight.

They had ten children: John, Calvin, Plummer, Charles Kenzie, James, Dennis, Robert Willis, Emma, Della and George.

For a more complete Blackwell family genealogy, click here.

Much of the above Blackwell family information was from excerpts from the book Colonial Families of the Southern States of America by Stella Pickett Hardy, published in 1911. The more recent family history was contributed by Samuel and Paul Knight, descendants of Nancy and James "Jockey Jim" Knight.

James and Nancy Knight - 1860 Census, living next door to Nancy's parent's James and Emily Blackwell.

James and Nancy had the following children: John, Calvin, Plummer, Charles Kenzie, James, Dennis, Robert Willis, Emma, Della and George.

1. John Wesley Knight (b. 11-18-1852 d. 06-20-1922, in St. Tammany Parish) married Mary Jenkins, daughter of Abner E. Jenkins, Jr. and Jane Simmons Jenkins. He married second, Caroline Cooper Jenkins, daughter of Lorenza D. Cooper and Mary Ann Alexander.

Much of the information for John Wesley Knight's family was contributed by his descendants, Joe Houghton, Samuel Felton Knight, Jr., and William Paul Knight, descendants of John Wesley Knight and Mary Jenkins son, James Abner Knight.

NOTE: John Wesley Knight's wife, Mary Jenkins - the Mormon genealogy lists her name as Mary Martha - I do not think this is correct. According to the 1870 Census, Abner, Jr. has a daughter Mary, 17 years old, and a daughter Martha, 5 years old. Mary would have been born in 1853, same age as John Wesley - that is what my records were showing. Martha was born in 1865 - much too young for John Wesley - besides Mary died around 1877 with about 4 children. Martha was only 12 years old in 1877 when Mary died.

Abner Jenkins, Sr. (b. about 1791 in SC; d. 1877) is buried in the old Jenkins Cemetery in St. Tammany Parish. The cemetery is about two miles off Highway 40, across a ditch that was dug before 1850 by slaves of Abner Jenkins and is on property formerly owned by Abner Jenkins. The graves are in the northwest corner of the property and there are old wooden markers in the weeds and between the trees. Some of the unmarked graves are said to be of slaves.

The parent's of Abner Jenkins, Sr. are unknown. Some people believe that Abner, Sr.'s father was Jack (Jock) Jenkins from Oknoxoby, Mississippi:

Jack was a Choctaw Indian. He is recorded in the treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, 1830, as desiring citizenship in August, 1831. There were 3 children under the age of 10 in the household in Oknoxoby, MS. In the 1830 Madison Co., MS census and the address was Robinson Road. Jack (Jock) Jenkins was born WFT Est. 1744-1773, and died Aft. 1830 in Madison Co., MS.

Notes for Jack (Jock) Jenkins: It is not proven if Abner was Jack's son.

I don't believe that Jack the Choctaw Indian was his father for the following reasons:

- On the 1868-1870 Voter's Roll in St. Tammany Parish, Abner, Sr. said that he was born in South Carolina. Jack the Indian was from Mississippi.

- Abner, Sr. came to St. Tammany Parish when he was about 15 years old around 1806. He probably came here with his family because he was very young to come by himself. When he first came to Louisiana, he was probably living with his parents.

- Abner, Sr. married Mary Ann Bennett when he was about 20 years old. I do not believe that she would have married a poor Indian. She came from a very prominent family, ancestors such as Richard Bland, General Robert E. Lee, etc. (according to the Genealogy supplied by Samuel Knight, an ancestor of John Wesley Knight).

- In the 1820 Census in St. Tammany, only Peter Jenkins household was listed, although we know that they both were here much earlier. They both lived in St. Tammany Parish when they served in the volunteer militia during the War of 1812. So far, I have been unable to find a list of names in Peter Jenkins household for the census of 1820.

1820 Census - St. Tammany Parish- Peter Jenkins, Roll M33_31, Page 27, Image Number 181.

When the 1820 Census came around, Abner was probably still living in his father's household (maybe Peter Jenkins - not proven). Abner, Sr. came to Louisiana around 1806 when he was about 15 years old. (He was born in South Carolina.) So if Peter Jenkins was the only Jenkins household it is very possible that Abner was his son and still living with him. Abner married Mary Ann Bennett sometime in 1820.

In the St. Tammany Parish 1830 Census, there were only two Jenkins' families, Peter Jenkins (age 50-60) and family and Abner Jenkins (age 30-40) and family. Peter Jenkins was about 60 years old, and Abner was about 39 years old in 1830. Peter would have been about the right age to be Abner, Sr.'s father. (Caution: This is only a guess.)

1830 Census Enumeration Year 1830 Parish St. Tammany, State Louisiana

Peter Jenkins 0 4 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 males 5-10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 20-30, 2 males 30-40, 1 male 50-60 (possibly Abner, Sr.'s father?)

2 females 10-15, 1 female 15-20-20.

Abner Jenkins 3 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

3 males under 5, 2 males 5-10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 30-40 (Abner Jenkins, Sr. was 39 years old in 1830.) 1 female under 5, 1 female 15-20, 1 female 40-50.

Abner Jenkins, Sr. was 77 years old in the 1868-70 Voter's Registration list. According to these records, he was born around 1791. He was living in Bogue Chitto, St. Tammany Parish. He had lived in St. Tammany, Parish, Louisiana for 62 years (around 1806). He probably came to Louisiana when he was 15 years old. He was born in South Carolina. His son Abner T. Jenkins was 50 years old. He had lived in St. Tammany Parish all of his life. They were both listed as farmers.

Voter Registration 1868-1870 St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana

NAME VOTERS NO. RESIDENCE OCCUP. AGE born

JENKINS, ABNER T. 450 N LESLIE'S FERRY, BOGUE CHITTO LOP FARMER 50 50 years LA

JENKINS, ABNER 1244 BOGUE CHITTO FARMER 77 62 SC

JENKINS, ARISTEDES B. 432 BOGUE CHITTO FARMER 48 48 LA

JENKINS, CALEB T. 1239 BOGUE CHITTO FARMER 21 21 LA

JENKINS, FRANCOIS E. 1154 COVINGTON LABORER 21 21 LA

JENKINS, RICHARD 456 BOGUE CHITTO FARMER 54 54 LA

JENKINS, THOMAS T. 463 BOGUE CHITTO FARMER 57 57 LA

JENKINS, WILLIAM 435 N LESLIE'S FERRY, BOGUE CHITTO TEAMSTER 26 26 LA

JENKINS, WM. T. 452 N LESLIE'S FERRY FARMER 23 23 LA

JENKINS, WM. A. 451 N LESLIE'S FERRY FARMER 21 21 LA

COOPER, JOHN A. 458 N LESLIE'S FERRY FARMER 28 28 LA

COOPER, LAURENCE N. 161 BOGUE FALAYA/BAYOU LACOMBE FARMER 38 4 LA

COOPER, WILLIAM W. 433 BOGUE CHITTO FARMER 50 45 LA

Notes for Abner Jenkins: Abner fought in the Battle of New Orleans, serving as a private in the LA Militia, Dec. 28, 1814 - Feb. 27, 1815. He was in St. Tammany Parish about 1807, settling on the Tangipahoa River, Greensburg District.

Name: Abner Jenkins

Company: 12 and 13 Consolidated Regiment, Louisiana Militia

Rank-Induction: Private

Rank-Discharge: Private

Roll Box: 110

Roll Exct: 602

Source Information:

Direct Data Capture, comp. War of 1812 Service

Source Information:

Direct Data Capture, comp. War of 1812 Service Records. (database on-line) Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 1999-. Original data: National archives and Records Administration. Index to the Compiled Military Service Records for the Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the War of 1812 M602, 234 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.

Database: War of 1812 Service Records

Personal Information

Name: Peter Jenkins

Company: Declouet½s Regiment, Louisiana Militia.

Rank-Induction: Private

Rank-Discharge: Private

Roll Box: 110

Roll Exct: 602

Abner Jenkins, Sr. married Mary Ann (Polly) Bennett in 1812 in St. Tammany Parish, La., daughter of Thomas Bennett and Mary Hardy. He married second Caroline Cooper March 7, 1867 in St. Tammany Parish, La. Abner Jenkins, Sr. died about 1877.

John Wesley Knight, son of James "Jockey Jim" Knight, married Abner Jenkins, Jr.'s daughter Mary Jenkins. After Mary died, John Wesley Knight married Abner Jenkins, Sr.'s second wife, Caroline Cooper Jenkins, before 1880.

Jockey Jim's brother William Knight married Abner Jenkins, Sr.'s daughter Mary Ann.

Jockey Jim's sister, Jane, married Abner Sr.'s son, Daniel Jenkins.

Caroline Cooper married Abner, Sr. She was about 22 years old. He was 76 years old.

Caroline Cooper's sister, Rebecca Jane (b. 1-31-1839 - d. 2-12-1923) married Abner, Sr.'s son, "Rett" Aristides Bennett Jenkins (b. 2-9-1829 - d. 1-1906).

Caroline Cooper's sister, Elizabeth (b. 1857 - d. 90-14-1928) married Abner, Sr.'s son James Terrell Jenkins (b. 1830, St. Tammany Parish - D. May 1862 CSA Standerdsville, VA)

Caroline Cooper's son Alexander Cooper (Alexander was probably named after Caroline's mother's maiden name, Alexander) married Jockey Jim's daughter and John Wesley Knight's sister, Emma.

Alexander Cooper is buried in John Wesley's brother, William Plummer Knight's family cemetery, Baughman Cemetery.

PARISH JUDGE'S OFFICE - 1833 VOTER'S CENSUS

Abner Jenkins is the only Jenkins listed on the voter rolls in St. Tammany Parish in 1833.

A list of the qualified voters the Parish of St. Tammany in the year 1837.

Abner Jenkins (age approx. 46)

Thomas B. Jenkins

Richard Jenkins

Notes from Minutes ST. TAMMANY PARISH POLICE JURY

Dec., 1849:

10. All that portion of District No. 1 lying on the southside of Bogue Chitto and East of Richard Jenkins shall form the 10th school district.

11. All that part of District No. 1 north of Bogue Chitto and East of Cornelius Cooper's shall form the 11th School district.

The 1864 St. Tammany Parish Civil War Tax List

A. J. Jenkins, Abner Jenkins, Sr., T. Jenkins, and R. B. Jenkins

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY TO BE TAXED: 1872 - St. Tammany Parish, LA.

JENKINS, A. B. 532 ACRES

JENKINS, A. T. 320 ACRES

JENKINS, THOMAS PROPERTY

MORTGAGE BOOK D: 1874 TO 1883, page 130, J. W. Ruddock to Abner Jenkins.

MORTGAGE BOOK C: PAGES 579 TO 587

Jenkins, A. T., Jenkins A. B., and Jenkins, Abner

The 1870 census shows Abner Sr. living in Washington Parish and Abner Jr. living in St. Tammany Parish. I found a lot of records for both Abner Sr. and Abner Jr. with them both always living in Bogue Chitto, St. Tammany Parish. So, I believe, because they were living on the border of the two parishes (probably next to each other) it caused confusion with the census takers. The land was probably very near each other.

On the 1870 census Josephine Cooper, also living with Abner, was too old to be Caroline's daughter so she was probably related to Caroline. Josephine probably worked for the family. She is listed as a domestic servant.

The following Jenkins were listed in Washington parish on the 1870 census:

Jenkins, Abner 74 M W Farmer

Caroline 24 F W Keeping House

Alexander 4 MW

Cooper, Josephine 14 F W Domestic Servant

In St. Tammany parish, the following was listed:

Jenkins, Abner 51 M W Farmer 300 acres

Jane 44 F W Keeping house

William 21 M W Laborer

Mary 17 F W

James 16 M W

Nancy 14 F W

Charles 12 M W

Thomas 7 M W

Martha 5 F W

Missouri 21 F W

Lucy 4 months old. F W

Abner, Sr. died around 1877. On the 1880 census in St. Tammany Parish, Abner Jr. is living on the Washington Parish side of the census where Abner Sr. was living in 1870. (Abner Jr. probably moved into his father's place after he died.)John Wesley is married to Caroline Cooper, Abner, Sr.'s second wife (the census lists her name as Matilda C. Knight), Mary, Abner Jr.'s daughter must have died. John Wesley and Caroline and their children appear to be living in Abner Jr's old place. Caroline's son Alexander Cooper is also living with them.

On the 1880 census, the Knight children are listed in both households. I believe they were probably spending time at their Grandfather Abner, Jr.'s at the time of the census because their mother had apparently died (at least I cannot find her anywhere) and their father John Wesley was recently married again to Caroline Cooper Jenkins with a new 5 month old baby, Mary. The children are also listed on John Wesley Knight's household.

John Wesley Knight lists Alexander Cooper as his SSon (stepson)

He also lists Calop T. Jenkins and Elvira Jenkins as SSon and SDau. Calop T. Jenkins and Elvira Jenkins are the children of Abner Jenkins, Sr. and Caroline Cooper.

John Wesley's youngest son who is also Abner Jenkins, Jr.'s GSon is only 2 years old on the 1880 census, and John Wesley is already married to Caroline Cooper. Apparently Abner, Sr. and John Wesley's wife Mary, daughter of Abner, Jr., died about the same time.

The following is from the 1880 Census in Washington Parish

Abner JENKIN Self M Male W 58 LA Farmer SC GA

Jane JENKIN Wife M Female W 54 LA Keeping House SC GA

James JENKIN Son S Male W 26 LA Working On Farm LA LA

Melissa JENKIN Dau S Female W 15 LA LA LA

Missouri JENKIN Dau S Female W 12 LA LA LA

Lucy JENKIN Dau S Female W 10 LA LA LA

Jane KNIGHT GDau S Female W 7 LA At Home LA LA

James KNIGHT GSon S Male W 5 LA At Home LA LA

William KNIGHT GSon S Male W 3 LA At Home LA LA

George KNIGHT GSon S Male W 2 LA At Home LA LA

The following is from the 1880 Census in Bogue Chitto, St. Tammany Parish.

John W. Knight Self M Male W 27 LA Farmer LA

Matilda C. Knight Wife M Female W 36 LA Keeping House NC

Nancy Jan Knight Dau S Female W 7 LA LA

James A. Knight Son S Male W 5 LA LA

William P. Knight Son S Male W 4 LA LA

George W. Knight Son S Male W 2 LA La

Mary A. Knight Dau S Female W 5M LA LA

Alexander Cooper SSon S Male W 14 LA LA

Calop T. Jenkins SSon S Male W 6 LA LA

Elvira A. Jenkins SDau S Female W 2 LA LA

Alexander Cooper, age 14 in 1880 was living with John Wesley Knight and his mother Caroline Cooper.

John Wesley Knight's sister Susan Emma married Alexander Cooper. Alexander Cooper and Susan Emma Knight Cooper are buried in the Baughman Cemetery in Washington Parish. The Baughman Cemetery is John Wesley and Susan Emma's brother, William Plummer Knight's family cemetery.

Alexander Elliot Cooper died September 24, 1917 at the age of 52 years in Washington Parish. Volume 21, death certificate: 10005, Louisiana State Deaths: Death Indexes, 1900-1929.

Cooper, A. E.; Born: 9-6-1865; Died: 9-24-1917, buried in Baughman Cemetery

Cooper, Daniel E.; Born: 11-24-1887; Died: 4-4-1908, son of Alex and Emma Knight Cooper, buried in Baughman Cemetery.

Knight, Susan Emily Cooper; Born: 10-3-1866; Died: 2-5-1921, wife of Alexander Cooper, buried in Baughman Cemetery.

The 1850 census shows Caroline was 7 years old and lived with her parents, L. D. Cooper and Mary A. Cooper. LD. had 400 acres. Next to LD was Cornelius Cooper with 4500 acres. By 1870, Mary Anne the mother was a widow.

In the 1850 census, in St. Tammany on page 290 the following is listed:

Cornelius Cooper 75 M Farmer 4500 acres..

Jane 75 F

William W. 45 M None

Next door is:

L.D Cooper 43 M. farmer

Mary A. Cooper 28 F ---- Her maiden name was Alexander

Elizabeth 12 F

Rebecca 11 F

John 9 M

Caroline 7 F

Linda? 2 F

The Jenkins lived near the Bogue Chitto River in St. Tammany Parish. This would have been around Sun, Louisiana which is very near the Washington Parish line.

Abner E. Jenkins, Jr. is buried in the Abner E. Jenkins Cemetery located 3 miles North of Isabel on Quitman Galloway property. A small cemetery that is being lost to time.

Many Jenkins family members are buried in the Jenkins-Hunt Cemetery in St. Tammany Parish. Near Rio, Washington Parish, La. Driving on La. Hwy. 3124 one mile from La. Hwy. 21, turn left, got 3/10 mile, turn left again just before you cross over railroad tracks. Condition: Fenced and clean.

Many other Jenkins family members are buried in the First Baptist Church Cemetery of Sun, St. Tammany Parish, La. This cemetery is located on La. Hwy. 16 in Sun, next to First Baptist Church.

The following are buried in the Old Jenkins Cemetery along with Abner Jenkins, Sr.

Richard Tyner Jenkins, born 30 April 1816 - died 18 December 1882

Richard Tyner Jenkins, II, born 12 December 1858 - died 23 February 1914

William Jenkins, 1842 - 1906

S. Ann Stafford, Wife of Richard Tyner Jenkins, 12 December 1825 - Died 1897

Isaac Jenkins, 18 September 1862 - 15 December 1930

Abner Jenkins, 1790 - 1877

JENKINS, A. E. (Abner Ernest), b. 9-16-1821, d. 4-1899, husband of Jane P. Simmons, son of Abner Jenkins and Mary Ann Bennett (Note: Abner Jenkins, Sr. & Mary Ann Bennett were the parent's of the wife of Charles and Susannah Knight's son William.

JENKINS, JANE P. SIMMONS, b. 2-1826, d. 2-18-1907, wife of Abner Ernest Jenkins is also buried in the Abner E. Jenkins Cemetery.

"RETT" Aristides Bennett Jenkins, b. 2-9-1829, d. 1-1906 h/o Rebecca Cooper, s/o Abner Jenkins & Mary Ann Bennett) is buried in the Jenkins Cemetery, also known as Jenkins-Hunt Cemetery, located off Hwy. 1075, Plum Nearly Road., .2 miles, left .3 miles on Hunt-Jenkins Cemetery Road.

John Wesley Knight and Mary's son William Plummer Knight (b 9-12-1867 - d 3-23-1948, buried in Seal Cemetery, East of Stateline, LA, Washington Parish, Ward 7, off Hwy. 438 on Henry Kennedy Road.) William Plummer was the 2^nd husband of Lenora M. Mitchell Warner (b 9-25-1873 - d 1-15-1963, buried in Seal Cemetery.) married Nov. 8, 1911. She was the daughter of Anne Jane Seal and William W. Mitchell. Her first husband was Willie R. Warner. William Plummer and Lenora's daughter Bernice K. (b. 7-4-1914 - d . 4-2-1979) married 8-16-1930 Losa Ervin (b 3-12-1913). Both are buried in Seal Cemetery.

John Wesley Knight and Mary Jenkins Knight had the following children: James Abner Knight, William Plummer Knight, George Wesley Knight, and Nancy Jane Knight.

James Abner Knight, b. 4-21-1875, d. 12-15-1951, MASON, h/o Susan Rester is buried in Rester Cemetery, Located from Hwy. 21 North of Bogalusa, turn right on Hwy. 436, and proceed 1.6 miles west. Turn left through a cow pasture belonging to Melvin Pierce.

KNIGHT, SUSAN RESTER, b. 8-6-1876, d. 5-21-1970, is buried in Rester Cemetery.

James Abner Knight, Jr.'s son Samuel Felton Knight, Sr. is also buried in Rester Cemetery.

The 1910 census lists the following:

Knight, John Head Male White

Caroline Female White

John said they had been married 29 years. It's possible that he could have been off just a little bit and they were newly weds when the 1880 census had been taken. Caroline had 7 children and all were still living.

The following is an excerpt of a reply to a letter Joseph Houghton, a descendant of John Wesley Knight, sent to the St. Tammany Courthouse regarding legal records for John Wesley Knight and Caroline:

Mailise Prieto, Clerk of Court, 22^nd Judicial District, Parish of St. Tammany

P. O. Box 1090, Covington, LA 70434 - April 14, 2004

Dear Mr. Houghton:

I am in receipt of your letter asking for copies of probate records for John W. Knight (d.1922) and Caroline Knight (d. 1915).

There are no succession (probate records) filed for either person in St. Tammany Parish. I also checked marriage records (1810-1924), cemetery records, property conveyances (1867-1893), and civil suits (1810-1939) in an attempt to clarify if John and Caroline resided here.

The only mention of John and Caroline in St. Tammany Parish occurs in a civil suit from 1885. They acted as tutor and co-tutor for two minors named Jenkins. The Knights filed a suit when a railroad company attempted to run a line over property belonging to the two minors, who were heirs of Abner Jenkins, Sr. The Abner Jenkins property was in the north part of the parish, near the Washington Parish border. The suit does not say where the Knights lived, or how they are concerned with the Jenkins family.

Sincerely,

Robin Leckbee, Deputy Clerk Archivist

I believe that John Wesley Knight was buried in the Mizell Cemetery in Washington Parish, not the Mizell Cemetery in St. Tammany Parish. J.D. Myers was the informant on John Wesley's death certificate. He was probably a neighbor of John Wesley's because he was also living in Sun, LA. A lot of Meyers, including John Meyers is buried in the Mizell Cemetery in Washington Parish. There are also a few Knights.

John Meyers was kin to the Mizells. MYERS, HENRY b. 9-26-1913 d. 9-15-1946 h/o Eva Mae Mizell m. 6-20-1936 s/o Johnny Meyers & Josie Sharp

Caroline Cooper Jenkins Knight is buried in the Cooper Cemetery in St. Tammany Parish, La. along with her parents, L. D. Cooper, Co. A, 3rd La. Calvary, C.S.A. no dates and Mary Ann Alexander Cooper,1821 - 1897. Caroline's tombstone was broken. Caroline died in 1915.

The Cooper cemetery is on an un-named road near Whit Talley Road, West of Sun, La. It is a small cemetery, partially overgrown; the fence was down on one side. Some of the stones were broken, and some were probably gone.

Also buried in the Cooper Cemetery:

John Roberts of Boston, Mass. - Died October 1833

Cornelius Cooper, Pvt. 3rd Reg., La. Militia, War of 1812 (b. 1774 d. 1 October 1855)

L. D. Cooper (Lorenzo - Caroline's father) Co. A, 3rd La. Calvary C.S. A. - no dates

Mary Ann Alexander Cooper (Caroline's mother) 1821 - 1897

John A. Cooper - Co. I, 9th La. Inf - C.S. A. - no dates

John Cooper (b. 8 February 1812 d. 14 April 1884)

The following information was contributed by Samuel Felton Knight, Jr. and William Paul Knight, descendants of John Wesley Knight and Mary Jenkins's son, James Abner Knight.

James Abner Knight's Family History

Knight Family

1f. Samuel Felton Knight, Jr. was born near Varnado, La. in Washington parish of Samuel Felton Knight, Sr. and Pollyanna Seal as the 6th child. As a biovocational minister, he worked in Houston, TX. for Truck lines, a Railroad, an Oil company, and a Steamship line in rates and safety. He married Anna Mae Cunningham (born in Houston, TX. of Ralph Monroe Cunningham and Annie Belle Gerjes of Edna, TX.--(see Gerjes genealogy) June 4, 1957 at Texas Ave. Baptist Church in Houston, TX. They had one child:

A. Donna Lyn Knight born in Houston, TX.

All of this family is still living in Dayton, TX --March 2004.

2. Samuel Felton Knight, Sr. was born near Varnado, LA. in Washington Parish November 27, 1906 of James Abner Knight and Susan Elvira Rester and passed into eternity July 2,1980. He was a farmer and became a electrician--retired from Dow Chemical Co. He married Pollyanna Seal on January 5, 1927 near Varnado, LA who was born in Washington parish, La. July 25, 1902 by Henry Seal and Rebecca Williams and passed into eternity July 16, 1989.

They had six children all born in Washington parish La. as listed below:

A. Edna May Knight born February 1, 1928 near Varnado, La.--died Feb. 27, 1998

B. Earl Richard Knight born near Varnado, La.

C. Bernice Knight born at Mississippi state line near Varnado, La.

D. Hazel Knight born near Varnado, La.

E. Marie Estelle Knight born near Varnado, La.

F. Samuel Felton Knight, Jr. born near Varnado, La. *

All the children are still living except for Edna Mae who died Feb 27, 1998

3. James Abner Knight, who was a farmer most of his life, was born April 21, 1875 in Isabel, St. Tammany parish, La the son of John William Knight and Mary Martha Jenkins. He married Susan Elvira Rester in 1895 near Varnado, La., who was born to William Rester and Elvira O. Carnegie on August 6,1876. They had nine (9) children that lived, with Dixie dying near child birth.

A. Dixie Knight--born Oct,1898--Varnado, La.--died Feb 1899

B. James D. Knight--born Aug,1899--Varnado, La.--died Aug 1900

C. Eli Snider Knight--born May 23,1901--Varnado, La.--died July 11, 1981

D. Mary Eunice Knight--born June 3,1904--Varnado, La.--died January 30, 2004

E. Samuel Felton Knight, Sr--born Nov. 27,1906--Varnado, La.--died July 2,1980 *

F. William Paul Knight, Sr--born Jan. 10, 1909--Varnado, La.--died 1998

G. Ezra Knight--born January 20,1913--Varnado, La.--died 1989

H. John Knight--born in 1914 near Varnado, La.--died in 1937 by car accident--never married.

I. Ruth Knight--born in 1918 near Varnado, La.--died at age 2 in 1920.

James died 12-15-1951--Susan died 5-21-1970--In Rester Cemetery--Varnado, La.

4. John Wesley Knight, who was a farmer as was his forefathers, was born Nov. 18, 1852 in St. Tammany parish La. He was the son of James Knight and Nancy Blackwell. He married Mary Martha Jenkins who was born in 1854 to Abner Ernest Jenkins and Jane P. Simmons. They had five (5) children:

A. Mary Elizabeth Knight born March 1871 in Franklinton, La.--no record of death.

B. Nancy Jane Knight born Nov. 14, 1873--died 1956 in St Tammany parish La.

C. James Abner Knight born April 21, 1875--died Dec 15,1951 at Varnado, La. *

D. William Plummer Knight born Dec 12, 1878--died Mar 23,1948 in Louisiana. A copy of his death certificate can be found here.

E. Wesley Knight born 1879 and died 1887 in Louisiana.

John died 6-20-1922 and Jane before 1880 St. Tammany parish, La.

To read more about James Abner Knight's family click here.

It includes the following families: Knight, Rester, Blackwell, Jenkins, Carnegie - Kornegay, Conerly, Bennett, Williams, Richardson, Crain, and Godman.

Children of James "Jockey Jim" and Nancy Blackwell continued:

2. Calvin Marcus Knight (born 11-10-1859 - died 10-10-1897). Calvin Marcus was the son of James "Jockey Jim" Knight and Nancy Blackwell. He lived in Pine. Calvin Marcus is buried in the Nobles Cemetery. Nobles Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. Memories of Alvin Knight.

Calvin married Mattie Green. Calvin's gun went off while hunting and he accidentally shot himself in the leg. He died from blood poisoning from the wound. Mattie married second Charlie Magee. Charlie Magee was blind when they got married. When Mattie was very old and could no longer care for herself, she stayed with her and Calvin Marcus' son, James Calvin Knight and his second wife Alma. Before she died, Mattie became bed ridden. Alma took care of Mattie. Memories of Calvin Abner Knight, grandson of Calvin Marcus and Mattie Green, and son of James Calvin Knight. Calvin was named after his two grandfather's, Calvin Marcus Knight and Abner "Abe" Erwin.

Calvin Marcus' grave marker at Nobles cemetery reads: C. M. Knight, b. 11-10-1859, d. 10-10-1897.

Mattie Green Knight Magee is buried in the Magee Cemetery at Lawrence Creek.

Magee, Mattie Green Knight, b. 2-15-1866, b. 4-9-1953

The Magee Cemetery is located in Ward 8 of Washington Parish, LA., from Franklinton Hwy. 430, approximately 7 miles, turn right on Lawrence Creek Road, about 1 mile on the right side of the road.

Calvin Marcus and his wife Mattie Green had the following children: Norman, Jim, Dellar and Benton Knight.

Dellar Knight (born 1895 - died 1994) married Thomas Bennett (born 1886 - died 1938). They are both buried in the Magee Cemetery at Lawrence Creek.

Norman A. Knight, son of Calvin Marcus and Mattie Green, married Candacey Erwin on December 18, 1910. Norman Knight was born in 1896 and died in 1944. The family lived just above Thomas, Louisiana.

Norman died of tuberculosis and is buried in Thomas Cemetery next to his wife Candacey. Candacey was born January 8, 1895 and died September 1, 1928. Thomas Cemetery is located in Washington Parish, La., southwest of Thomas Community; south of the junction of La. Hwys. 434 and 438, take the first blacktop to the west. Go less than a mile. A roadside sign points to the Thomas Cemetery.

Norman and Candacey were members of the Society of Miss Choctaw, according to the societies records dated March 30, 1914.

Norman and Candacy had the following children: Carlos, Louisa, D. S., Fran and Jesse Knight. Candacey Erwin's siblings included A. E., Victoria, and Thomas Erwin.

Candacey died and Norman Knight married second Dixie Spencer on June 1, 1939. They had a son, Billy Wayne Knight. Billy Wayne lives in Sulphur, Louisiana.

Dixie Spencer died in the 1960's of Tuberculosis that she caught from her husband Norman. She is buried in the Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa, LA.

6-1-1939 - Norman L. Knight to Dixie Spencer, Varnado.

Dixie Spencer Knight's parents were Ben F. Spencer, b. 3-14-1891, d. 10-16-1974 and Vanda V. Spencer, b. 2-11-1894, d. 10-8-1990. Ben and Vanda Spencer are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery at the junction of Moore Road and Lee Road, across from Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Dixie's brother Commodore D. Spencer, b. 4-15-1919, d. 1-20-1987, is also buried at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Norman and Candacey's son, Carlos Knight, born 1915, died 1954, married Eva Thomas, born 1926, died 1954. Eva was the daughter of Lucious Thomas. Lucious L. Thomas was born April 24, 1901. He died March 14, 1979. Lucious is buried in Thomas Cemetery. There is also a marker for Lucious L. Thomas at Thomas First Baptist Church Mausoleum with his date of birth as April 24, 1901 and no date of death inscribed on it.

Carlos and Eva Knight were killed in an automobile accident August 7, 1954. They are buried in Thomas Cemetery. They had a daughter Kathy Stover and a son Tyrone Calvin Knight. Tyrone had a son, Christopher Calvin Knight.

KNIGHT, Carlos, 08-07-1954; Thomas Cemetery; Son of the late Norman Knight.

KNIGHT, Mrs. Carlos, 08-07-1954; Thomas Cemetery; Daughter of Lucious Thomas.

Norman and Candacy's daughter Forty (she later changed her name to Fran) adopted 2 children.

Norman and Candacy's son Jesse married Mary ?.

Wilbur Benton "Bent" Knight, born 1-11-1898, son of Calvin Marcus and Mattie Green, died 9-26-1988, married Ellen Hunt, born 2-15-1898, died 2-23-1980. Ellen was the daughter of John Andrew and Edy Elensar "Ellen" Galloway Hunt.

Bent and Ellen had the following children: Marilee, Duewey Lee, Ruth, Doyle, Royace, Verginel, and Johnel.

Bent was born after his father Calvin Marcus died. There was an old saying that a child who had never seen his father was able to rub moles off of anyone. It was said that Bent had this gift.

Bent and Ellen Knight's daughter Mary Lee Knight, b. 12-22-1919, married Clifford V. Ingram, born 5-30-1917. Their children were Ronnie Ingram, born 11-4-1949, died 6-24-1972; Donna Lynnette Ingram, born 5-11-1963, died 11-25-1970; Billy Joey Ingram, born 7-17-1957, died 10-8-1978; and Lee Ingram, born and died 9-11-1961.

Bent and Ellen's daughter Vergie Nell Knight, born 7-9-1934, died 11-13-1993, married twice. Her children are Wright and Mailhos.

James Calvin "Jim" Knight, son of Calvin Marcus and Mattie Green, married Hettie Olivia Erwin. She was the daughter of Abner Erwin and Victoria Thomas.

Jim and Hettie had eleven children. Their children were Wilton, Ozzy, Leslie, Velonia, Junior, the twins Lavan and Lavelle, Calvin, Daniel, Jake and Jimmy Ray. After Hettie's death, Jim married a second time to Almer Parnell. Their children were Linda, Joyce and Wayne was the youngest. His step-children were Walter Ray Barber, James Barber and Billy Barber.

Jim and Hettie were members of the Society of Miss Choctaw, according to the societies records dated March 30, 1914.

James C. Knight is buried in Thomas Cemetery, born April 29, 1893, died September 4, 1956. Hattie was born January 7, 1894 and died June 6, 1939. There are three graves in the same coping with Hettie E. & James C. Knight: Infant daughter of Mr. & Mrs. James C. Knight - no dates; Jake Knight, son of J. C. & Hattie Knight, August 15, 1932 - February 24, 1946; and Lavel Knight, December 17, 1924 - January 20, 1960.

Hettie died of tuberculosis. She stayed in the tuberculosis ward in a New Orleans hospital for a year before she died.

Jim Knight and his brother Norman married sisters, Hattie and Candacey Erwin.

Jim Knight married second Almer ?. They had a son Wayne and two daughters, Linda and Joyce.

The following are memories of Jim and Hettie's son Calvin Abner Knight:

My parents, Jim and Hettie Knight, raised eleven children on a 123 acre farm in Thomas, Louisiana. We were a poor, but happy family. My father was a farmer all of his life. The family worked hard, getting up before daylight to feed the mules and get them ready for plowing at the break of day. Everyone had their turn to milk the cows. Wood was gathered for cooking and heat.

Our farm was mostly self sufficient, but money was needed to buy things like flour, some of our sugar, fertilizer, etc. Our family grew cotton for a cash crop. Five hundred bales of cotton sold for $500.00. Groceries were bought on credit during the winter and paid for in the summer when the cotton was sold. We also grew corn on the farm to make such things as cornbread for ourselves and food for the livestock. Instead of hay, corn shucks were tied together and bales of fodder were used to feed the animals. Sweet potatoes were grown and baked for the children to bring to school for lunch. We raised hogs and cows for our meat. The meat was put into a store box and covered with salt as a preservative. When needed, the meat was smoked in the smoke house. Peanuts were grown and stacked on top of the smoke house to dry.

We made our own quilts and ground our coffee. The coffee was made by straining it through a sack. The children were not allowed to drink coffee because we were told that coffee was bad for children.

For entertainment, children from the neighborhood would come over and we played basketball from a goal that we made.

Times were hard during the great depression. Many of the people worked for the WPA. My brother's, Jesse and Levan, worked for the CCC. There was the NYA before the WPA where youth were hired to build houses and barns. My brother Junior worked for them.

A lot of people hauled paper wood in the winter for a money crop and sold it to Gaylord. They used some of the money they earned to pay for their paper wood truck. After my parents were married, my father hauled logs from the swamp with mules and hauled it to the saw mill where it was made into lumber.

My dad and I made cross ties at a creek bank in the swamp across from our house. This was before World War II. We used a broad axe to hew the cross ties. One time, my father cut his little toe with the axe. The toe was completely severed with only the skin holding it to his foot. He poured coal oil on it and wrapped it in a rag. It healed and the toe grew back.

My father read the family Bible from an old coal oil lamp. The family either walked or hitched up a mule to a wagon, our only means of transportation, and went to the Lawrence Creek Baptist Church on Sunday's. We tied the mule to an old oak tree near the church. Sometimes the church was so crowded that some of the congregation was unable to fit inside the little country church. The windows were raised so church members could listen to the preacher's sermon on the outside of the building. Preacher Jim Stewart was one of the preachers that preached at our church. Back then, preachers would go around to many of the churches in the area.

Children of James "Jockey Jim" and Nancy Blackwell continued:

3. William Plummer Knight (born 10-2-1857-died 1-20-1940, buried in Baughman Cemetery) Plummer Knight married Frances Melissa Corkern (born 1-30-1861, d. 7-31-1923, buried in Baughman Cemetery.) Melissa was the daughter of William J. and Narcissa L. Reviere Corkern. Plummer and Melissa lived on Byrd Road which is right off of the Franklinton Highway, between Franklinton and Bogalusa.

There is a land deed for William P. Knight in Washington Parish, LA dated 09/10/1890 for 159.87 acres in Section 14, Township 2.0S, Range 12.0E.

There is a land deed for William P. Knight in Washington Parish, LA dated 09/10/1890 for 159.87 acres in Section 14, Township 2.0S, Range 12.0E. Otis Sheridan bought the property after Plummer's death in 1940.

Plummer Knight's hair was snow-white, he chewed tobacco and wore a mustache.

Right after Plummer and Melissa got married, they homesteaded their place. It was required to clear five fenced in acres and put a house on it. Plummer first built a lean-to on his land to the south. He lived there about 3 or 4 years. During this time his son George and his daughter Louisa were born in the lean-to.

Then, Plummer built a 2 room log house. It had a mud floor. He burned the mud to make a glaze. Earlie was born in the log house. Melissa swept the floor with a straw broom. She planted a grapevine by the little log house and grew a catnip bush in her garden. She would boil the leaves of the catnip bush and use it for medicine.

A little later on, Plummer built a big new house. It had a hall down the middle and 4 bedrooms. Lillie and his youngest son James Robert "Jimmy" the baby was born there.

There was a traveling barber that would come into the area about every 3 or 4 months to cut everyone's hair. One time the barber was late coming and Plummer's children's hair was getting very long, so Plummer used some sheep shears to cut their hair. He said at least they didn't have to worry about it getting down to their shoulders.

A lot of people in Washington Parish back then raised sheep. There was a screw worm epidemic in Washington Parish that killed a lot of the sheep in the area.

When Plummer was about 17 or 18 years old, he went to live and work for Nancy Thigpen in Picayune, Mississippi. He stayed there until he married Melissa Corkern. Nancy Thigpen gave Melissa an iron bedstead and she gave Plummer a wash pot as a wedding present. The was pot is still in the family, today. Memories of Alvin Knight

Note: There were at least three William P. Knight's in the family at this time: William Penn Knight, son of William Knight who was the son of Charles and Susannah Knight; William Plummer Knight, son of John Knight who was the son of James "Jockey Jim" Knight; and William Plummer Knight who was the son of James "Jockey Jim" Knight.

Ray Knight said that when his father George Knight was growing up, Ray's grandfather, William Plummer Knight raised sheep. The family, including his father George, would go by horseback to take the sheep to Covington to sell them.

Plummer Knight bought the Baughman Cemetery and donated it back as a cemetery. There was a total of 18 acres. This is recorded in Bk 60, Page 325 in the Courthouse in Franklinton.

In 1915, an unknown man was buried in the Baughman Cemetery. He was shot in the woods. Many years later they found out that the man was from Wiggins, Mississippi, and he had gotten in a fight with a Miley boy. Memories of Alvin Knight

Plummer Knight School was located in Ward 5 - White, Hwy. 10, north of road between Sheridan (Hwy. 62) and Dollar Road, between Monroe Knight Road and Dollar Road. (305205N 0895744W Bogalusa (historical) West.

1-25-1940 - W. Plummer Knight, 82 years of age, died January 20^th, at his home near Sheridan. Interment was in the Boughman Cemetery. Survivors are his 5 children, George and Earlie Knight, Mrs. Nancy McNeese, Mrs. Delia Tullos, and Mrs. Lillie Seal, and a large number of grandchildren, 2 brothers, R. W. and Kenzie Knight.

Note: William Penn Knight's obituary was in the paper on the same day as Plummer Knight's and also Calvin Knight's son William.

Plummer and Melissa Corkern Knight had the following children: James Robert, George M., Earlie, Nancy, Delia, Lillie, and one child that died at birth.

1. Rev. James "Jim" Robert Knight (born 9-26-1899 - died 1-23-1930) married Rebecca Josephine Sheridan August 19, 1917. James Robert was a mail carrier. He caught pneumonia and died when he was only 31 years old. He was a Baptist preacher at the Oakgrove Missionary Baptist Church which he started. James Robert is buried in the Baughman Cemetery and his wife Rebecca is buried outside of the church in the area next to her brother's family, John Sheridan.

James Robert and Rebecca had a son named William Earl Knight. He was born April 12, 1926 in Bogalusa, La. and died May 13, 1980 in Chalmette, La. W. Earl married Vertillian Mae Coludrovich November 9, 1960 in Bogalusa, La. in the Oakgrove Missionary Baptist Church that was started by Earl's father James Robert Knight. Vertillian was born in New Orleans. She was the daughter of Steven Coludrovich and Ellen Augusta Buras. Their children are Rebecca Ellen married Ralph Hutson: children Caleb, Jared, and Kira. They live in Allen, TX; Gwendolyn Marie married David Stoker: a child Shannon. They live in Canton, GA; Kathy Sue married Steve Devenport: children Kevin and Jenna live in Hattiesburg, MS; Ruth Allison married Cliff Nelson and they live in Old Hickory, TN; the youngest daughter Toni Lynn lives in Bartlett, TN with their mom. *Most of the information about James Robert's family was contributed by Ruth Nelson. She also contributed information for Earlie, Lillie Ann, and Cordelia Knight's families.

James Robert Knight's wife Rebecca Sheridan is also related to the Knight family through William Knight's daughter Mary Ann "Polly" Knight who married Walton J. Duncan. Their son "Luke" Lucious Esco Duncan married Mary Elizabeth Rester. Luke's daughter Jessie Merle Duncan married Houston Sheridan. Luke took care of his mother "Polly" after her husband John Walton Duncan died.

1928 - James R. Knight from (succ. of) Frances Knight, Judgment, bk 51, pg 61

1928 - Rebecca S. Knight from Charles E. Sheridan, Judgment; 201.50 acres, bk 51, pg 164

2. George M. (born 9-17-1891-died 6-6-1967) married Rhoda Flynn Knight (born 8-12-1896-died 10-27-1974) both are buried in the Baughman Cemetery. George and Rhoda married on Jan. 15, 1914.

Rhoda Flynn was the daughter of George Jackson Jack and Viola Flynn. Rhoda was born in Mississippi August, 1897.

The 1900 Census, dated June 5, 1900 in Pearl River County, Mississippi, Beat 5 lists George J. Flynn, born Dec. 1874, age 25, married 3 years. He was born in Mississippi and both his parents were born in Mississippi. His wife Viola E. Flynn was born January, 1872, age 22. They had 2 children, both were living. Viola was born in Louisiana and both her parents were born in Louisiana. Their daughter Rhoda V, born Aug. 1897, was 2 years old, born in Mississippi. Their son Modee?, born Nov. 1899, was born in Mississippi.

The 1910 Census lists Jack and Viola Flynn living in Police Jury, Ward 5, Washington Parish, Louisiana. Jack was 39 years old. He and his parents listed as born in Mississippi. He was a farmer. His wife Viola was 37. She and her parents were born in Louisiana. They had 7 children, 5 living. Their daughter Rhoda was 12 years old, born in Mississippi, their son Prentiss was 10 years old, born in Mississippi, daughter Viola was 7, born in Louisiana, daughter Eva was 3 years old, born in Louisiana, and infant daughter, age 1, born in Louisiana.

The Military Draft Registration Card, World War I, dated September 12, 1918, listed George Jack Flynn, permanent home address: Varnado, Washington Parish, LA; age 43, DOB Dec. 4, 1874, white, Laborer Great Southern L. Co., Varnado, LA. His nearest relative was Mrs. Viola Flynn (wife) Varnada. Jack s appearance was listed as short, medium build, grey eyes and red hair, no lost limbs.

The 1920 Census, Washington Parish, Ward 5, lists Jack Flynn, age 47, born Mississippi, both parents born Mississippi. He was a farmer. His wife Viola was 46, born in Louisiana and parents born in Louisiana. Their son Prentiss, age 19, born in Mississippi; Daughter Madie, age 12, born in Louisiana; daughter Sadie, age 10, born in Louisiana; daughter Jessie, age 6, born in Louisiana; daughter Bessie, age 10, born in Louisiana; and son J. D. 3 years 5 months old, born in Louisiana.

The 1930 Census, Pearl River County, Mississippi, Beat 3, District 4, lists Jack and Viola s son James P (Prentiss) Flinn as head of household. He was listed as a farmer. Prentiss was 30 years old. He had gotten married when he was 26 years old. His wife s name was Eva, age 26. She was 22 years old when they were married. She was born in Louisiana. Her father was born in Mississippi and her mother was born in Texas. They had a son Thomas, age 2 years 6 months, born in Louisiana and a daughter Viola age 11 months, born in Louisiana. Prentiss father George J (Jack) Flynn, age 55, widower was living with them. He was listed as married at age 21, born in Mississippi. He was a laborer and not a veteran.

Jack s wife Viola Flynn died sometime after the 1920 census and before the 1930 census.

Jack Flynn died July 26, 1938. He was born in 1875. He was 63 years old, living in Washington Parish, death certificate no. 9408, volume 21.

The 1850 census records, Beat 5, Hancock County, Mississippi (Pearl River County was formed from Hancock County in 1890) lists Rhoda Flynn s grandfather, Angus Flinn, age 25 and, probably his wife, Delany Flinn, female, age 23. There were no children. Living next door were William Flinn, age 47 or 67 (the hand writing on the census was illegible.) William was a farmer, born in Tennessee. His wife Mary Ann, age 56, born in South Carolina; their children were all born in Mississippi. Their son Richard, age 23, Amu? female, age 17, Delany, female, age 13, Nancy, age 12, Daniel W, age 10.

Angus s father, William Flinn was listed in the 1841 State Census Index in Hancock County, no township listed.

William Flinn was listed in the 1845 State Census Index in Hancock County, no township listed.

The 1880 census records in Gainesville, Hancock County, Mississippi lists Rhoda s grandfather, Angus Flinn, as 57 years old, born about 1823, a widower, farmer, born in Georgia (the 1850 census lists Angus as born in Mississippi). His children living with him in 1880 were all born in Mississippi. They were Anna Flinn, daughter, age 26; Mary Flinn, daughter, age 18; Eliza Flinn, female, age 10; Jackson Jack Flinn, son, age 6; Lancy Flinn, daughter, age 4; and Henry, grandson, age 2 months, born in Mississippi.

George and Rhoda Knight had the following children:

an infant, no date, buried in Baughman Cemetery;

William Plummer (born 3-22-1924 - died when he was about 8 years old, buried in Rayville, Louisiana),

Willie George (born 2-16-1917 died 12-2-1970)h/o Ella Dean Broussard, buried in Baughman Cemetery. They had the following children: Jeanette Lorraine, Richard, Myrtis Victoria, William, Plummer (died August 27, 2005), Diane, Linda Rae, Charles, Marl,Jesse Emri (born 8-31-1921) married Lois. They had the following children: Delores, Wilson was a stepson, Elizabeth and twins George and Rhoda,Gary Wayne who married Marie.

Pearlie Eleanor Knight(born 12-20-1914-died 11-25-1991) buried in Baughman Cemetery married Luke Passman 6-20-1935 Married: Bogalusa, L.P. Passman to Pearlie Knight, Franklinton. Their children were Jerry Luke, Christine, Rawlin, Paul J. (born 4-26-1945-died 6-15-1993 U.S. Army, Vietnam), Linda, and Jean.

Prentiss Herbert (b. 12-23-1925 - d. 2-4-1986); buried in Baughman Cemetery. He had the following children: Herbert (Note: Herbert contributed the full names and date of births for all of George Knight's children), Martin, Ann and Fay. He died instantly of a sudden stroke.

February 4, 1986 BOGALUSA: Prentiss Herbert Knight, 60, a resident of the seven Mile Road in the Sheridan community, died at his home Tuesday morning, February 4th. A veteran of World War II, he is survived by two sons, Herbert Knight of Denham springs, and Martin Knight of Covington; two daughters, Ann Wheat of Crossroads, Mississippi, and Fay Graves of Bogalusa; three brothers, Ray Knight of Sheridan, Robert Knight of Jackson, Louisiana, and Jewel Knight of Covington; four sisters, Pearlie Seal of Pearl River, Gwen Thomas of Angie, Dorothy Tivet of Houma, and Vondale Thomas of Sheridan; and nine grandchildren. The body lay in state at the Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa until the time for funeral services, which were conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, February 6th, in the funeral home chapel. Interment followed in the Baughman Cemetery at Sheridan.

Edith Louisa Knight Carroll (born May 5, 1919-died June 1, 1983) buried in Baughman Cemetery. She married Jesse Paul Carroll in 1935. Jesse (b. 6-1-1913 - d. 1-16-1961) is buried in the Sam Carroll Cemetery in Washington Parish.

Edith and Jessie had seven children:

George (Feb. 25, 1938 - Feb. 26, 1986) married Margie Adams, daughter of Charlie and Grace Adams, their children were Jesse and Angela; Doyle married Marion Mobley, a son Doyle "Paul'; Ralph (Jan. 12, 1943 - Jan. 23, 1992) married Ann Mathes, a son Glynn; Shirley married Jerry Duncan, two children; Alan and Dale who married Annette, their children are Jeremy and Melanie; Patricia married Bill Sanders, a son Tim who has a daughter Arianna; Roy married Melissa Williams, a daughter Lexus and a son Mike who is married to Stephanie Seals; their son Drake; and Ricky.

10-31-1935 - Jesse Paul Carroll, Varnado married Edith Knight, Franklinton.

Ray Edward married Virginia Varnado. Their children: Bruce married Christine Breseau, son Joshua "Josh" Lisa's children: Brian, Brittany, and Bailey; Steve, and Teresa's child Mason.

Robert Earl (born 12-17-1931 - died ?) married Jeanette Lang. Children: Yendora and Rodney;

Jewel Lavon (born 4-10-1930 - died ?) married Jo Ann Kuhn, children: Cynthia, Brenda and Jack;

Gwendolyn Victoria married Jack Thomas, children: Sue and Bryan; Dorothy Delores married Bill Parker, daughter Lynn;

Rhoda Vondale married Bob Thomas. Their children are Cheryl, Michael "Mike", Dawn, Mathew "Mat".

The 1920 census, 5th Ward, Washington Parish, LA, dated January 19, 1920 lists the following:

George Martin Knight, head of household, age 28, farmer, own farm
Rhoda, wife, age 22
Pearlie, daughter, age 5 or 6 ?
Willie, son, age 2 11/12
Edith, daughter, 8/12
James Flynn, cousin, age 11

The family was living in Richland Parish, Ward 2 during the 1930 Census dated April 7, 1930, Enumeration District 42-5.

George M. Knight, head of household, age 38, married at age 22, farm laborer, general farm, married at age 22
Rhoda V., wife, age 32, married at age 16
Pearlie E., daughter, age 16?
Willie G., son, age 13
Edith L, age 10
Jesse E., age 8
W. Plummer, age 6
H. Prentiss, age 4 2/12?
Gwendolyn, age 2?

Plummer Knight's children continued:

3. Benjamin Earlie - (12-17-1893-8-22-1961) is buried in Baughman Cemetery. He married Eva (Evie) Lang April 16, 1910. Earlie Knight lived on Byrd Road just a little ways down and on the same side of the street as Plummer Knight. Byrd Road is right off of Franklinton Highway between Franklinton and Bogalusa.

Earlie and Evie Knight had the following children: Ruth Melissa married Milo Welch, Leon Albert married Eloise Thomas, Alvin Plummer married Nora Lea Walch, and second married a Warner, Wilmer Winston married Francis Wise, Clyde Leander married Bonnie Tullos, Vergil Earlie married Bertha T., and second married Vergie Steele, William Lavern married Jamie Copeland, Myrtle Lee married Milton Seal, Earleen married Sherwood Adams, and one daughter (3-17-1929-3-29-1929) buried in Baughman Cemetery.

Alvin Knight died 12/12/2003 of a massive heart attack at the Baughman Cemetery. His brothers and sisters held a graveside service. All 11 of his grandchildren were able to be there. He was the son of Benjamin Earlie and Evie Lang Knight. His first wife, deceased, was Nora Lee and they had three children, Richard, Alice Jeanette, and Bill. At the time of his death he was married to Ruth Knight who lives in Franklinton.

4. Nancy (6-28-1886-6-1-1946/48) is burried in the Whittington Cemetery. she married Sept 7, 1904 William "Willie" McNeese (3-1884-9-6-1960)buried in the Whittington Cemetery.

Louisa Knight and William "Willie" McNeese married on Sept. 7, 1904 in Washington Parish, LA.

Louisa and William McNeese had the following children:

Lucy Eldora (born 8-14-1905-died 8-28-1998) buried in Ellis Cemetery. Lucy married first 5-5-1923 to Elmer Uriah Brumfield; second 10-21-1971 to Price Crowe (born Dec. 27, 1904-died Dec. 1983). Lucy lived in Bogalusa, LA.

Lucy had a daughter Eloise Louisa Brumfield (b. 3-6-1927) married Marshall Ballow, Jackson, MS. Their daughter was Marsha Ann Ballow (b. 1-26-1947) married James Brooks Miller. James Brooks Miller, Jr. was born 10-26-1973 and John Corley Miller was born 7-2-1976.

Another daughter, Dorothy Maudine Brumfield of Slidell, LA (b. 6-9-1929) married Anthony Sasone/Sansonne, DC.

(Note: Lucy Crowe started the annual Plummer Knight Family Reunion that began in 1964.)

Lillie Viola (died 1/31/01) buried in Rester Cemetery. She married Harvey E. Pierce.

2/1/01 - BOGALUSA Lillie M. Pierce, 89, a resident of Angie, died yesterday in the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. She was a member of Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Pushepatapa Chapter #239 of the Eastern Star. Survivors include two sons, Harvey "Yvon" Pierce of Varnado, and Hershel J. Pierce of Panama City, FL; two daughters, Norma Mitchell of Poplarville, MS and Linda Spillman of Angie; a brother, W. H. "Bill" McNeese of Poplarville; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her husband, Harvey E. Pierce; a son, Edsel Pierce; two brothers, Joe and Estus McNeese; and three sisters, Lucy Crowe, Letha Pierce, and Frances Riley. Visitation will be held tomorrow at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home from 4:30-10 p.m. and will continue Saturday from 8 a.m. until time for the funeral service, to be conducted from the funeral home chapel at 10 a.m. The Rev. Doyle Ball, the Rev. Clyde Cooper, and the Rev. Burdette Thomas will conduct the service. An Eastern Star service is scheduled for 7 p.m. tomorrow. Burial will be in Rester Cemetery in Varnado. Brown-McGehee Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frances Melissa (b. 4-17-1907, DEC. MD. 10-22-1923 W P, LA married Rev. George Washington Riley.

William Henry "Bill" McNeese (b. 4-4-1918) married 1^st Dorothy Stevens; 2^nd Tommie Warner. He had no children.

Joseph Leroy "Joe" (b. 9-23-1924 - DEC) married 1^st Marjorie Massetta. Lives in California. Their children were Laurel Ann McNeese of Philadelphia, Penn., Eddie McNeese of California, William "Billy" McNeese of LA, and Ryan McNeese of Pennsylvania?

Jessie D. (b. 1-8-1927 - d. 6-29-1928) buried in Whittington Cemetery.

Lula Dezzie (b. 5-20-1913 - d. 12-31-1915) died of burns, buried in Whittington Cemetery.

George Estus (b. 3-25-1909 - d. 7-24-1969) buried in Baughman Cemetery. married 3-5-1927 Ella Mae Holden, D/o Leslie P. and Nancy Coralie "Ella" Cox Holden.

Letha Edith (b. 8-25-1915) married 9-21-1939 Dan David Pierce, s/o George Washington and Sary Ann Rester Pierce.

Mildred Pierce contributed this genealogy of the Letha McNeese Pierce family. Note: The information has not been verified:

Great Grandfather--------Jim McNeese,

Great Grandmother-------Tobitha Lankford McNeese

Grandfather-------Joe McNeese------Born December 18, 1865 - Died in 1915 -

Grandmother------Rachel Eldora Hunt McNeese B. 1868 md. Joseph McNeese -

Both buried McNeese Cemetery at Oakgrove, LA. Family is doubtful if graves are marked.

Descendants on Knight Side

Great Grandfather---James Knight - Born May 16, 1829 - Died in 1915 -

Great Grandmother-Nancy Blackwell Knight---Born November 1, 1832 - Died May 12, 1907 -

Grandfather---William Plummer Knight - Born Oct. 2, 1857 - January 20, 1940

Grandmother---Francis Malissa Corkern Knight---Born January 30, 1861 - Died July 31, 1923 -

Father-------Willie McNeese-Born March 1884 - Died Sept. 6, 1960 - Mother-----Nancy Louisa Knight McNeese - Born June 28, 1886 - Died June 1, 1946

Nancy Louisa Knight and Willie McNeese married Sept. 7, 1904

Descendants of Willie and Louisa McNeese

Lucy Eldora McNeese ----Born August 14, 1905, Now Deceased - Married May 5, 1923, Elmer Uriah Brumfield, Died October 14, 1966 - Married October 21, 1971, Price Crowe - their Children were 1. Elois Louisa Brumfield----Born March 6, 1927 - Married --- Marshall Ballow - Marsha Ann Ballow - Married---- Brooks Miller - Children--- James Brooks Miller, III -John Corley Miller--- Dorothy Maudine Bruumfield - Married Toney Sansone

Frances Malissa McNeese----Born April 17, 1907 - Married October 22, 1923, George Washington Riley-Baptist Minister Deceased. Their children: 1. Daisy Lee Riley---- Married Eli Miller----Adopted 3 Children

Jimmie Derl Miller - B. Jerry Dewayne Miller - C. Malissa Ann Miller - Melvin Paul Riley---

George Estus McNeese - Born March 25, 1909----Died July 24, 1969 - Married March 5, 1927 Ella Mae Holden

Ruby Gladys McNeese Married Quincy Hunt, Later Divorced - Hardy Hunt - B. Dianne Hunt - C. Faye Ruth Hunt - D. Susan Hunt - E. Wilton Hunt - F. Lynn Hunt - G. Wesley Hunt - Ruth Elizabeth McNeese Married Rudolph Davis, Divorced - Married Bill Hartfield - A.Wanda Hartfield - Fannie Mae McNeese - Married Harris Freeman - Aletha June Freeman

Lillie Viola McNeese---- Born March 17, 1911 - Deceased - Married October 24, 1931 Harvey Esco Pierce - Deceased

Harvey Yvon Pierce - Married Billie Lois Tynes - Debra Lynn Pierce

Marvin Edsel Pierce----Born November28, 1934 - Died August 28, 1975 - Married Letha Faye Smith - A Edsel Cleveland Pierce (Toby) - B. Robert Lane Pierce (Robby)--- C. Tracy Lynn Pierce - James Hershell Pierce Married Betty Jean Campbell - Karen Leigh Pierce --- B. James Randell Pierce--- Norma Glynn Pierce----- Married Charles Wayne Mitchell - Michael Wayne Mitchell--- B. Mark Dennis Mitchell ---

Linda Gayle Pierce ---- Married Richard Ard---Later Divorced - Scott Richard Ard--- B. Stephenie Elaine Ard---

Lula Lezzie McNeese---Born May 20, 1913----Died December 31, 1915

Letha Edith McNeese-----Born August 25, 1915---Died March 24, 1999 Married Dan David Pierce September 21, 1935

Nancy Genell Pierce ---Born December 11, 1936 Married Louis Leroy Tullos, June 7, 1957 (Deceased) - John David Tullos---- B. Nancy Gail Tullos--- C. Susan Lynn Tullos--- Welton Carl Pierce (Wick) -Married February 8, 1957, Mildred Seal - Welton Carl Pierce Jr.---- Brian Carl Pierce - 2. Kyle Daniel Pierce--- B. Rocky Dwayne Pierce---- C. Danny Ervin Pierce------ Married Frances Jules Firmin - Chad Ervin Pierce--- D. Sandra Lynn Pierce---- Adopted - Jessica Lynn Griffin --- 2. Elizabeth Michelle Griffin--

Aaron Joseph Weber---- Raymond Jerry Pierce--- Mechelle Lee Pierce (adopted)---- B. Jeffery Allen Pierce---

C. Toney Dewayne Pierce---4. Will Rodney Pierce--- Married Rachel Cothern (Deceased) - Ronald Barrett Pierce (Bart) - Terry Wendell Pierce--- Terry Wendell Pierce Jr. - B. Shanny M. Lee Pierce - Daughter - Still Born - 7. Dianne LaJune Pierce - Wendell Keith O'Berry - B. Vanessa Dianne O'Berry

William Harvey McNeese----

Joseph Leroy McNeese---Laurel Ann McNeese - B. Eddie McNeese - C. Billy McNeese - D. Brian McNeese

Jessie Denman McNeese Born---January 8, 1927, Died---June 29, 1928

Plummer Knight's children continued:

4. Cordelia Viola "Delia" (b. 12-3-1888 - d. 11-11-1966) married first Jim I. Folks on 12-8-1904.

Delia and Jim's children were Howard, Albert, Ray, Lillie, and Alton Folks. Lillie E. Folks (born 10/1/1919 in Washington Parish - died 6/17/1964 in Franklinton Parish) married Herman G. Toney (born 4/10/1915 in Washington Parish - died 4/1978 in Franklinton, La.) Herman Toney's father was J. A. Toney, and his mother was Louiser Blackwell. Their children were JoAnn H. Niquiporo born in St. Tammany Parish, J. Leroy Toney born in New Orleans, Carolyn F. Magee born in Washington Parish, Karen V. Thompson born in Bogalusa, and Deborah K. Hackney born in Bogalusa. Alton Folks married Thelma Taylor. Their children were Harris, Bobbette, and Cheryl. Bobrette Folks married Albert Cole. Their children were Owen and Ramona. Ramona married Scott Walters. Owen married Vickie Adams. Cheryl Folks married Burton Blackwell. Their children were Burton, Jr., Michelle and Randall. Michele married Greg Shaffer.

Delia married second Joe Tuttle (b. 4-9-1889 - d. 5-13-1971). Joe and Delia had one son Bobby R. Tuttle (b. 1-25-1925 - d. 7-6-1934). Joe, Delia and Bobby are buried in Boughman Cemetery.

Bobby was riding on the fender of a car. Hot water from the radiator splashed on him, and he fell from the car and died.

Book 38, Page 270 Courthouse Franklinton: W. P. Knight (probably William Penn) purchased 40 acres from Cordelia Viola Folks for $500 - 1/20/22 - This land was acquired from B. E. Knight, Jr. (Recorded in Conveyance Bk No. 22, Pg 476 at Clerk-of-Court, Franklinton.

5. Lillie Ann (born 8-15-1896 - died 3-7-1983) buried in Baughman Cemetery. She married Wilbur Pierce. They had a son Ralph O'Veal who married Bernice Phillips. Their children were Donald, Gretchen who married James Cucurullo, and Michael. She married next Jason Seals. Lillie and Jason had a daughter Marie Seals and one son who died young (probably in his teens.)

Lillie lived on Byrd Road and the corner of M. Toney Road, near Plummer Knight, but on the opposite side of the street. Byrd Road is right off of Franklinton Highway between Franklinton and Bogalusa.

Children of James "Jockey Jim" and Nancy Blackwell continued:

4. Charles Kenzie (born 6-25-1869-died 12-24-1957) buried in Nobles Cemetery. He married Mary Crockett (born 9-13-1877-died 1-11-1932) buried in Nobles Cemetery. Their children were Lela K. married Sam Gay, children Loyd, Charlie, Alton, D.L., James Ray, Floyd, Horace, Mrs. Inez Lancy, Mrs. Irene Jenkins, and Mrs. Ida Mae Miller; Modez, Lute married Robert Willis Crain, daughter Agenes married William Talmadge Ard; and one half-brother, J. D. Knight.

There is a land deed recorded for Charles K. Knight in Washington Parish, LA dated 04/22/1901 for 39.88 acres in Section 14, Township 2.0S, Range 11.0E.

March 31, 1950 Funeral Today for Mrs. Lela K. Gay Funeral services were set for 3 p.m. today (Thursday) for Mrs. Lela Knight Gay, 52-year-old resident of Route 2, Franklinton, who died at the Washington-St. Tammany hospital at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. The funeral was scheduled to be at the Nobles Cemetery in the pine vicinity with the Rev. Johnny Sones officiating and Poole Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Gay is survived by her husband, Sam Gay; her father, Kenzie Knight; seven sons, Loyd, Charlie, Alton, D.L., James Ray, Floyd and Horace Gay, all of Franklinton; five daughters, Mrs. Inez Lancy, Mrs. Irene Jenkins, and Mrs. Ida Mae Miller, all of Franklinton; two sisters, Mrs. Modez Knight of Bogalusa and Mrs. Lute Crain of Pine; one half-brother, J. D. Knight of Covington.

Their daughter Lutie Knight Crain (born 4-8-1900-died 12-1990, buried in Louis Crane Cemetery, w/o Robert Willis Crain) Lutie and Willis married on May 11, 1914. Lutie and Robert Willis Crain's daughter Agnes (b 12-9-1916 - d 5-1-1982) married William Talmadge Ard. She is buried in Seal Cemetery.

5. James Stephen (b. 10-22-1864 - d. 10-10-1933, buried in Smith Cemetery) married Ellen Jones. (Knight, James S. and Jones, M. Ellen married Feb. 9, 1905). Ellen was born Jan. 20, 1862-died Dec.15, 1940. She was the daughter of Thomas Jones.

James S. Knight, age 45, and his wife Ellen, age 29 were living in Ward 5, Washington Parish according to the 1910 Census. James and Ellen had one child, Brock, age 3. James was listed as a farmer and his wife Ellen was listed as a keeper of a boarding house. There was also a James Knight, Jr., age 18, occupation Servant; George Knight, age 19, boarder; James Knight, Sr., age 81, (James S. Knight s father) boarder; E. B. Watson, age 21, boarder; Jesse Bell, age 24, boarder; Rheuben Gillis, age 22, Boarder; Joe Whitley, age 32, boarder; Clyde McManus, age 16, boarder; Joe Baxter, age 45, boarder; Fred Warner, age 19, boarder; Crosby Bell, age 26, boarder, Taylor Payton, age 19, boarder; and Sam Crawford, age 20, boarder.

There is a land deed for James S. Knight in Washington Parish, LA dated 08/29/1901 for 158.29 acres in Section 14, Township 2.0S, Range 11.0E.

6. Dennis Isaac Knight (born June 8, 1876-died Jan. 25, 1937) buried in McNeese Cemetery.

(Newspaper article dated 1-28-1937: Dennis Knight died in Bogalusa Monday. Interment was in the Sheridan Cemetery. He was a brother of R. W. Knight of Franklinton.)

Dennis Knight wanted to marry Calvin McNeese's daughter Molly, but Calvin McNeese didn't want her to marry Dennis. One time Dennis invited Calvin McNeese squirrel hunting. He brought a gallon of whiskey with him. Calvin McNeese came back drunk, and Dennis and Molly took the opportunity to get married. Dennis and Molly had 6 or 7 children. Dennis Knight was a very big and strong man. He could pick up the front end of a T-model Ford. He was the Marshall. He also picked up the money from the banks in Bogalusa when they closed and brought the money to New Orleans every evening. He never got robbed. One of the duties of his job was to go to bars and break up fights. He would take a person in each hand and bump their heads together, and the fight was over. One time he went to a bar room for blacks to break up a fight. One of them shot Dennis. Although he was wounded, he brought the black person to jail, but Dennis never recovered from the wound. It got infected, and he died. He was shot between the stomach and his leg. Memories of Alvin Knight

Knight, Mary Mollie McNeese; Born: November 2, 1879; Died: February 21, 1953.

Two of their children were Katie (b. June 10, 1898 - d. Dec. 1, 1964) and Lena Mae (b. May 30, 1914 - d. Oct 5, 1936 buried in McNeese Cemetery).

Emma Gladys Knight (her maiden name) is the daughter of Robert Knight - divorced from Edna Duples Knight Donnensfelser. Robert Knight is a son of Molly and Dennis Knight. This was contributed by her daughter Gretchen.

Dennis Knight and Mary Molly McNeese's son Ira J Knight married Hester Crockett. Ira J Knight married Hester Crockett I believe on June 4 19?? They had a son named Harold "Jerry" Knight.

1932 - Hester Knight from Margana Knight, Lots 14, 15, blk. 2, L.A.P. Pleas. Valley Add. Bogalusa & 520 Acres Hr. 39 & 44 & 2-9-3-12, bk. 60, pg 31

1935 - Ira J. Knight from Joe Mixon, Pt. of Lot 9, blk. 1, GWR Add., Bogalusa, bk. 69, pg 14

Callie Knight born 2-19-1901 died 10-15-1974, Ponemah Cemetery, Bogalusa, La., Washington Parish

Ira J. Knight Jan. 10, 1910 - Mar. 8, 1963 Mason

Hester C. Knight Eastern Star Feb. 3, 1913 - July 9, 1989

P. L. Crockett 1899 - 1968

Nettie H. Crockett born March 17, 1893 - died March 20, 1994 at 101 years and 3 days old.

Ira had a sister named Nancy who married Leroy Puckett who used to own Puckett Building supply. Leroy Puckett is also buried in Ponemah Cemetery.

Leroy Puckett born 7/28/1922 died 1/23/1991

7. Robert Willis (born 8-18-1877-died 10-25-1956) married Allie Leona McCain (born 12-10-1887, and died 6-26-1962). Both are buried in Morris Cemetery. Their daughter, Gladys Elaine (b. 12-14-1926 - d. 8-9-1928) is buried in Morris Cemetery.

There is a land deed recorded for Robert W. Knight in Washington Parish dated 09/16/1904 for 79.60 acres in Section 12, Township 2.0S, Range 11.0E.

Newspaper articles: R.W. and Allie McCain married Jan. 18, 1900.

Robert Willis and Allie had a daughter named Bertha who married Otis Varnado.

Feb. 23, 1928 Married Thursday, Lonie Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Knight to Harvey Talley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louie Talley of Isabel.

NP art. dated 8-25-1938 Harvey Talley, 46 years old, and resident of Isabel, died in a New Orleans hospital last Tuesday night. He was the son of Louis H. Talley of Isabel and a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Knight of this place. Survivors are his wife. Funeral services were held at Talley Chapel Thursday morning.

08-16-1928 Little Gladys, the 20-month-old infant of Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Knight died Thursday. Interment was in the Morris Cemetery.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Knight of Franklinton, a son on October 23^rd, 1928.

3-14-1940 - Marriage License: (white) Ottis Varnado to Bertha Knight, Franklinton; Married last Thursday, Bertha Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Knight, to Ottis Varnado of the first ward.
A daughter, Elaine Gladys (born 12-14-1926-died 8-9-1928) buried in Morris Cemetery.

10-26-1956 - Robert W., 79 years; Morris Cemetery; married 1899 to Allie McCain; son of the late James & Nancy Blackwell Knight.

8. Susan Emma Knight (b. 10-18-1866 - d. 2-5-1921) married Alexander Cooper (b. 9-6-1865 - d. 9-24-1917).

They are both buried in Boughman Cemetery.

Their son Daniel C. Cooper (member of W.O.W. b. 11-24-1887 - d . 4-4-1908) married Mary Jane Corkern (b. 2-23-1885 - d. 5-6-1907 Eastern Star). They were married March 7, 1906. Both are buried in Boughman Cemetery.

9. Della Knight married Nickolas McCain.

10. George Martin Knight died while young.

Charles and Susannah Knight's children continued:

V. George Knight (born July 27, 1831-died Nov. 25, 1904) married Martha Johnston (sister of Lurendie Johnston, Calvin Knight's wife.) (born 8-9-1840-died 4-25-1917) They are both buried in Enon Cemetery. George Knight was an invalid for the last three years of his life, according to his wife Martha in her application seeking George's pension from the Civil War.

There is a land deed for George Knight in Washington Parish dated 06/25/1901 for 162.38 acres in Section 1, Township 2.0S, Range 12.0E.

A copy of George Knight's Civil War Pension Application can be seen by clicking here.

George Knight and Martha Johnston had the following children:

1. Margana (Dora) Knight buried in Enon. She married Baily Dees of Amite. (Cemetery Marker: Marganie Knight - Wife of B. B. Dees - Feb. 3, 1859 - July 28, 1877 - age 18 yrs. 5 mo. 25 days). In a judgment dated Oct. 20^th, 1923 E. W. Dees, was the sole heir of Margana Knight, bk. 41, page 433, Franklinton Courthouse. E. W. was apparently her only child.

Bailey Dees married second Margaret Morgan. Bailey and Margaret's son John E. Dees married George Knight's brother William's granddaughter, Irene Knight. Irene was the daughter of James W. Knight and Cannanizer Hines.

06-24-1915 John E. Dees and Irene Knight married on 6-23. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Knight. Mr. Dees is the son of the Hon. Bailey Dees.

06-02-1932 Mr. Bailey B. Dees died at Mt. Hermon Monday. He was born near Isabel on 5-12-1855 and married twice, first to Dora Knight and had 1 child, Eugene, who died in Amite a few months ago; second he married Margaret Morgan about 2 years after his first wife's death and had 9 children, 8 living; Mrs. C.T. Owen and Mrs. Annie Peese of Jacksonville, Tx., Mrs. Jack Lunde of Los Angeles, Ca., Mrs. Grady Dammage and Mrs. Dells McNeil of Flagstaff, Ariz., Mrs. J.C. Jones of Jackson, Miss., and Mrs. W.S. Craft of Mt. Hermon 2 sons, John of Baton Rouge, and Frank E. Dees of Col., 3 brothers and 3 sisters, John, Jesse, George Dees, and Mrs. William Schilling and Mrs. Joe Dyson, all of Amite, and Mrs. J.H. Warner of Jackson, Miss.

02-11-1932 Eugene W. Dees (Margana (Dora) Knight and Bailey B. Dees son) died Sunday in Jackson, Miss., and the body was brought back to Amite for burial in the Amite cemetery. He was born and reared in Washington Parish.

NOTE: 08-16-2012 - Glen Deas sent a correction to Bailey Deas info: Bailey's daughter Dixie was married to Grady Gammage, not Dammage. He was President of Northern Arizona University, then later President of Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. The Dixie Dees Gammage Hall building is named for her.

2. Elizabeth Knight (born 5-16-1861-died 8-1-1920) married Rev. Edwin F. Corkern (born 8-24-1857-died 2-4-1935). Both are buried in Enon Cemetery. In a judgment dated Oct. 20^th, 1923, her children Esco L. Corkern, Iddo K. Corkern, Annie Corkern Burkley and Cora Corkern Jones were the heirs of Elizabeth Knight Corkern, bk. 41, page 433, Franklinton.

3. Martin Knight (born 4-1-1863-died 9-12-1929) buried in Enon Cemetery. He married Emma Corkern.

There use to be a Martin Knight Singing School - Established about 1895 at the Coburn Creek School, probably in the Enon community.

9-19-1929: Martin Knight of Bush, was reared in Enon, he is the son of the late George Knight. He was 66 years old when he died. Survivors 4 brothers, B.K. of Enon, G.W. of Enon, C.O. and E.P. of Bogalusa, a widow, and 2 young children, also a large number of sons and daughters from his first marriage. Interment was at Enon Baptist Church Cemetery.

1-12-1933 - Thad Knight, son of the late Martin Knight of Enon, died in New Orleans where he lived with his wife and children, and was brought back to the old home in Enon for burial. He was a nephew of B.K. and J. Wess Knight (Marker reads: Thaddeus Knight - La. Corp. 113 Inf. 29 Div. - Jan. 8, 1933).
1-19-1933: Thadeus Knight of New Orleans died January 8^th and buried in the Enon Cemetery. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. M.M. Knight of Enon. Survivors are his wife and 2 little girls, Emmy Lou aged 2 years, and Yvonne Knight, aged 4.

4. Benjamin Kenza (Singing) Knight (born 1869-died 1937) married Ida Adams March 15, 1897. Ida Adams (b. 2-6-1876 - d. 12-6-1952) daughter of Field J. Adams (b 10-10-1848 - d. 3-27-1920) and Mary Elizabeth Bell (b. 3-16-1852 d. 10-6-1930 d/o James Michael Bell. Both are buried in Adams Cem. Field J. Adams was the son of Sarah Elizabeth "Sally" Hunt (b 5-3-1825 - d 9-18-1885) and Rev. William H. (Henry/Hampton) Adams (b. 12-9-1828 - d. 5-22-1897). Sarah and William married abt 1847.

There is a land deed registered for Benjamin K. Knight in Washington Parish, LA dated 12/30/1905 for 121.02 acres in Section 6, Township 4.0S, Range 12.0E.

There use to be a Martin Knight Singing School - Established about 1895 at the Coburn Creek School, probably in the Enon community. Benjamin Kenzie had a brother named Martin, and they both lived in Enon. I wonder if this is how Benjamin Kenzie came to be known as "Singing" Knight? As noted below, he must have also enjoyed singing at church.

Pages 54 & 55 1934 Minutes Washington Parish Baptist Association WASHINGTON PARISH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MINUTES, 1934, p. 3 Thursday Afternoon The Association reassembled at 1:30, after a season of delightful fellowship while the messengers and visitors partook of a splendid lunch served by the ladies in the basement of the church. Professor B.K. Knight led in a song service, and T.J. Delaughter led in a devotional service. Mrs. D.E. Magee read the report on Baptist Literature, which was adopted. The report on Our Schools was presented by S.C. Rushing, and adopted. The Association then adjourned to assemble at the site of the Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church which was organized in 1812, the first Baptist Church ever organized in Louisiana, about eight miles north-west of Franklinton. Here a beautiful and impressive memorial service, consisting of music by the Enon Band, an instructive historical address by J.H. Smith, closing with a few appropriate words by moderator O.P. Estes, and benediction by W.F. McGehee, was held. Friday Morning J.H. Smith read the report of the committee on the Memorial Marker, on the site of Half Moon Bluff Church, and same was adopted. Note: The first Baptist Church in Louisiana was Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church near Franklinton. It was in 1812 that Louisiana had achieved statehood and that the first Baptist church on the Bogue Chitto River was constituted.

B. K. and Ida's daughter Thelma G.born Feb. 22, 1898 died Mar. 2, 1898

3-15-1906: In the home of Mr. and Mrs. B.K. Knight was born, a baby girl. We think the God of Fortune could bestow upon this young babe no greater blessing than that it may be like its mamma.

1-12-1922 - Married at Enon on 1-9, Rose Mae Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.K. Knight, to Hollis Green.

6-7-1923: Married 5-29, Juette Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.K. Knight, to D.R. Hamilton of New Orleans.

5-21-1923 applied for marriage license D.R. Hamilton, Raleigh, N.C., Juette Knight, Zona.
9-5-1935: Bennie Knight, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Kinza Knight of Enon, married August 26th to Dr. Herbert Fredrich Hess of Cleveland, Ohio.

2-11-1937: B.K. (Kenzie) Knight, 67 years old died in Enon on February 8th. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Knight, Sr. He married over 40 years ago to Ida Adams and had 8 children.

Knight, Ida born 02-06-1876 in Bogalusa; died 12-06-1952; wife of the late Prof. B.K. Knight.

5. Eugene P. Knight married Edwena Jones on Sept. 24, 1900.

There is a land deed registered for Eugene P. Knight in Washington Parish, LA dated 12/30/1905 for 164.8 acres in Section 1, Township 4.0S, Range 11.0E.

6. George Wesley Knight (was still living at time of Judgment of parent's property dated Oct 20, 1923, Bk 41, Pg 433 Franklinton Courthouse) married 11/24/1904 Bertha Jones (died 10-23-1962, age 80 yrs. 1 mo. 19 days, buried in Enon).

George Wesley and Bertha lived in Enon their whole lives where they raised their family. Their children were Ruby, Hazel, George, Mabel, Martha, Charles and Jen. Jen is the only one still living and is in a nursing home. Charles lived in Enon until he died in the 1980's. Hazel married a Richardson and lived in Franklinton until her death. Mabel never married and lived in Franklinton. Martha married a Read and lived there in the early 1980's until she moved to Florida to be with her son. It is believed that Charles his wife Velma, Hazel and Mabel are buried in the Enon Cemetary. Ruby married Harold Stryker and moved to Alabama. Ruby and Harold's granddaughter Mary Asher Rivenbark is now living in Texas. Mary's mother is still living in Alabama. This information was contributed by Mary Asher Rivenbark.

7. Cora Knight (died 3-12-1965, buried in Enon Cemetery) married Richardson Jones (1871-1942, Enon Cem).

8. Charles Oscar Knight b. Mar 4, 1877 d. Mar 28, 1953 married Mattie Warren b. Mar 23, 1883 d. Feb. 10, 1963. Both are buried in Ponemah Cemetery, Part III.

9. Mattie Knight died from burns. Mattie was born Nov. 22, 1869-died Feb. 14, 1907, buried in Enon Cemetery.

10. Plummer Knight (born Aug. 6, 1865 - died Dec. 16, 1870), age 5 yrs., 6 mos., 10 days.

11. (Probably) Joseph H. Knight (born 2-25-1866 - died 1-24-1908) buried in Nobles Cemetery.

NOTE: There is a grave for JOSEPH H. KNIGHT, b. 2-25-1866, d. 1-24-1908 (only information legible now is JHK on a small block) buried in the Nobles Cemetery. By the date of his birth, he would have been the grandson of Charles and Susannah Knight. Charles and Susannah's daughters are eliminated because Joseph's last name would not have been Knight. William and James Knight could not have been the father of Joseph because they both had a child too close to Joseph's birth date. It would have had to either be Calvin Knight or most probably George and Martha Knight's son. According to Martha's obituary of 4-25-1917, she and George Knight had eleven children. We know for sure ten of their eleven children's names. Four children died prior to her death of 4-25-1917. Margana died July 28, 1877; Mattie died Feb. 14, 1907; and Plummer died Dec. 16, 1870. Joseph would have been the fourth of their eleven children who died prior to Martha. He died Jan. 24, 1908. (Charles Knight's father's name was Joseph. He was probably named after him.)

On the Judgment dated Oct. 20^th, 1923, Book 41, Page 433, Franklinton Courthouse listed the following persons as sole forced heirs of George and Martha Knight - Deceased:

Martin M. Knight, B. Kinza Knight, George W. Knight, Cora Knight Jones, C. Oscar Knight, Eugene P. Knight, E. W. Dees, sole heir of Margana Knight, deceased, and Heirs of Elizabeth Knight Corkern, vis Esco L. Corkern, Iddo K. Corkern, Annie Corkern Buckley and Cora Corkern Jones.

Mattie died in 1907, and she apparently left no heirs. Plummer died in 1870, at only five years old. If I am correct, Joseph would have been the eleventh child who died in 1908, and he apparently left no heirs.

3-15-1915 - Charline Knight (born Jan. 28, 1910-died Mar. 29, 1915), age 5 years, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Knight, died Sunday. Burial was in Enon.

Enon - 4-25-1917 - Mrs. Martha Knight, wife of the late George Knight, died at the age of 77 years, Wednesday, 4-25-1917 in the home of her daughter, Mrs. M.R. Jones. Miss Martha Johnson, born in Pike Co., Ms., near McComb, on 8-9-1840, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kinza Johnson. She had eleven children and was a member of the Enon Baptist Church and a Sunday school teacher. She married George Knight 1-1857, who with four of the eleven children preceded her to the Great Beyond. The children living are: Messrs. M.M., B.K.(Kinza), E.P.(Elizabeth),G.W.(George), and O.O.(Oscar)Knight, Mrs. E.F. Corkern, Mrs. M.R. Jones. She also leaves two brothers and a sister. The funeral services were conducted by Revs. C.T. Corkern and J.J. Walker. She was buried in the Enon Cemetery.

The Washington Parish fairgrounds in Franklinton, Louisiana, is the relocation site of several log cabins built during the late 1800s in Washington Parish that were once threatened by the possibility of demolition by a highway project. The Knight Cabin, originally located northwest of Enon, Louisiana ,was removed to it's new location at the fairgrounds in a wooded area to recreate the feel of its initial setting.

When George and Martha's large family out grew the old cabin, the cabin was preserved by building their new, larger home around the cabin. When the house was being torn down in order to build the new highway, the old cabin was found inside of it.

The cabin consists of one large room with a sleeping loft in part of the attic. It is constructed of split half-round logs, which are square-notched at the corners. The Knight Cabin, constructed by George and Martha Knight in 1857, is significant as a surviving example of the smaller German log house, a vernacular house type which is rare in Washington Parish. The Knight's were a family of farmers who raised livestock and built their cabin of materials that they found themselves-namely logs which were split into half-round segments and were square-notched in the house's corners. Their one-room cabin with its loft and mud chimney is representative of the pioneer era of the then wild, untamed Washington Parish. http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/kni.htm

The 1860 Census listed George Knight, a native of Louisiana, as a 28-year-old farmer with real estate valued at $800 and personal estate at $483. His 19-year-old wife Martha Anne, a Mississippi native, and their one-year-old daughter Margery lived with him. In 1870, there were six children, four daughters and two sons. Knight owned about 175 acres of land at this time, which increased to 250 acres by 1880. By then he had considerable livestock, including two horses, 36 cows, and 75 pigs. In addition, ten acres of corn yielded 150 bushels, one-half acre of sugar yielded 120 gallons of molasses, and one-and-a-half acres of sweet potatoes yielded 125 bushels.

The Knight Cabin is located at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton. It is open for events and by appointment only for groups. Contact the Washington Parish Tourism Commission at 985-735-5731 for further information. Visit www.freefair.com for information on the Washington Parish Free Fair, held ever y fall at the Fairgrounds.

Charles and Susannah Knight's children continued:

VI. Mary Knight (born July 1, 1834-died March 14, 1902) She married James J. Thigpen. She is buried in the Enon Cemetery.

Mary Knight
Wife of James J. Thigpen
July 1, 1834 - Mar. 14, 1902
Age 67 yrs., 8 mos., 13 days

They had the following children:

1. A son who drowned in the Pearl River.

2. Elizabeth Thigpen married Greene (Berry) Bush

3. Susannah Thigpen Corkern (Mar. 21, 1868-died My 16, 1903) buried in Enon Cemetery. She married William Corkern (1841-1939).

4. Mollie Thigpen married James Corkern.

5. Ella Thigpen (born March 7, 1872 - died March 9,1908)married Nelson Corkern about 1890. She is buried in Enon Baptist Church Cemetery.

They had the following children:

Jesse Edgar Corkern (born 11-6-1892 - died 11-10-1962, buried in Isabel Baptist Church Cemetery, Isabel, Washington Parish. He married Ellen Reneau; Alda Corkern; Veda E. Corkern; Percy William Corkern (born 7-24-1899 - died 1-30-1951) buried in Zaborn Magee Cemetery; Percy Corkern married Becky Strahan; Clyde Corkern (born 8-29-1907 - died June 1975) in Franklinton.

The 1860 Census, 8th Ward, Washington Parish

James J. Thigpen, age 31, born about 1829, Louisiana
Maryanne Thigpen, age 27, born about 1833, Louisiana
Morgana Thigpen, age 6, born about 1854
Martha, age 3, born about 1857

The 1870 Census, Washington Parish

James Thigpen
estimated birth year: 1825
age in 1870: 45y
color: White
birthplace: Louisiana
Head of Household - self
Maryanne Thigpen - age 25y - born Louisiana
Margany Thigpen - age 16y
Marsha Thigpen - age 13y
Elisabeth Thigpen - age 4y
Susan Thigpen - age 2y
Margary Thigpen - 4m

Charles and Susannah Knight's children continued:

VII. Calvin Knight (born Oct. 13, 1836-died Jan. 4, 1910, Age 73 yrs., 2 mos., 21 days buried in Enon Cemetery, married Lurendie Johnston (born May 10, 1845-died Jan. 5, 1916, buried in Enon Cemetery). Calvin died of heart trouble. Calvin Knight and Lurendie Johnston had the following children:

1. Clemon Knight married Dora Barnett.

2. Mary Knight (born 1865-died 1930) married James W. Fussell. Both are buried in Ellis Cemetery.

11-10-1927 - James W. Fussell died Monday at the age of 65 years, 7 months, and 15 days. He lived in the 6^th ward, near Pinecliff. He was the father of 10 children, 6 of whom survive, Mrs. Etta Bailey of Kentwood, Mrs. Beatrice Herringtonof Monroe, Miss Mae Fussell of Meridian, Murray Fussell of Franklinton, Hezzie and Byron Fussell of Texas, and also his widow, Mary Knight Fussell, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Knight of Enon. Interment was in the Ellis Cemetery.

7-3-1930 - Mrs. Mary Knight Fussell died Monday of Bright's disease, at age 65 years, 4 months, and 22 days. Interment was in the Ellis Cemetery. Survivors are 3 sons and 3 daughters: M.L. Fussell, Franklinton; Hezzie of Wichita Falls, Tx.; Byran of Pampa, Tx; Mrs. Jas. Bailey of Sunny Hill; Miss May Fussell of Meridian; and Mrs. George Herrington of Houston, Tx; 1 brother W.A. Knight of Jackson; 1 sister, Mrs. Marion Q. Sylvest of Enon; and 9 grandchildren. NOTE: Bright's disease is a kidney disease characterized by albumin in the urine.

3. Kenzie Knight married Dora - An obituary of 10-12-1922 had where a Kensie Knight died in Tylertown last week. Survivors are 7 orphan children. (Note: I cannot confirm if this is the Kensie who died.)

4. Corine Knight married Thomas Magee

5. Will A. Knight (died 1-1940) married Dora Brock. Dora was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Brock. They had at least one son, Shelton Knight.

11-23-1916 Married - McComb, Miss. Bessie Brock and Mr. Robert Thornhill. She is the youngest sister of Dr. Brock. The wedding took place at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. Will Knight. She is the daughter of Mrs. J.S. Brock.

1-25-1940 - Will A. Knight died at his home at Goodman, Ms. on Friday. He was born and reared in Washington Parish and the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Knight of Enon, a sister, Mrs. M.Q. Sylvest (Della Knight who married Marion Sylvest), and a brother-in-law of sheriff J. L. Brock. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Dora Brock Knight and 1 son, Shelton Knight.

Note: Dr. Jeptha Latimer Brock (J.L. Brock) was born and reared in Washington Parish. He was a physician residing in Franklinton, when he was elected Sheriff in 1932, which office he held for eight years. From 1912-1920, he was the parish Coroner. He was married to Lenora Babington, and they had one son who died while attending LSU. Dr. Brock died in 1949 and is buried at Ellis Cemetery in Franklinton.

6. Dora Knight married Wilmer W. Varnado (They married 12-10-1902.) (Enon Cemetery Marker: Dora - wife of W. W. Varnado - June 5, 1876 - June 15, 1911)

07-06-1911 - Dora Varnado, wife of W.W. Varnado, died 6-15. Burial was in the Enon Church Cemetery. She was 35 years and 10 days old.

7. Della Knight (Enon Cemetery marker: Della Knight Sylvest 1882 - 1946) married Marion Sylvest. They married 5-26-1907 (died 4-17-1966, F/O Max Coleman Sylvest, buried in Enon Cemetery.)

8. Walter, who died young.

01-27-1906 On last Sunday at 2:30 PM, the Death Angel came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer Varnado and took from them a beautiful little flower, - Sweet little Wilda - after an illness of only two days. Little Wilda was nine months, five days of age. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. E.F. Corkern; the precious little body was laid in the Enon cemetery.

07-06-1911 Dora Varnado, wife of W.W. Varnado, died 6-15. Burial was in the Enon Church Cemetery. She was 35 years and 10 days old.

11-6-1916 - Mrs. Rinda Knight of Zona died Tuesday. Burial was in the Enon Cemetery. (Calvin Knight's wife. She was also the sister of Martha Johnston, George Knight's wife.)

A copy of Calvin Knight's Civil War Pension Application can be seen by clicking here.

1850 Census Washington Parish

Calvin Knight is 14 years old and living with his parents.

Household
Chs Knight M 60 Virginia
Susan Knight F 40 Georgia
James Knight M 20 Louisiana
George Knight M 18 Louisiana
Margaret Knight F 16 Louisiana
Calvin Knight M 14 Louisiana
Arner Knight F 10 Louisiana
June Stafford F 21 Louisiana
Stephen Stafford M 1 Louisiana
Sarah Stafford F 0 Louisiana

Census records for 1870 - Washington Parish still have their son Calvin Knight in the same household as Charles and Susanah Knight. Also Calvin's wife Lurinda and their children:

U S Census 1870 - Washington Parish - Ward 8

Charles Knight - 68y
Susan Knight - 22y - Georgia (the 22 years old is obviously wrong)
Calvin Knight - 34y - Louisiana
Lucinda Knight - 29y - Mississippi
Celment Knight - 6y - Louisiana
Mary Knight - 5y - Louisiana
Benjamin Knight - 3y - Louisiana
Ellen Knight - 10m - Louisiana

In the Census of 1880 the family is living in 4th Ward, Washington Parish.

name : Calvin Knight
event: Census
event date: 1880
event place: 4th Ward, Washington, Louisiana, United States
gender: Male
age: 44
marital status : Married
occupation : Farmer
relationship to head : Self
birthplace : Louisiana, United States
birthdate : 1836
spouse's name : Lorenda Knight
spouse's birthplace : Mississippi, United States father's name : father's birthplace : Louisiana, United States
mother's name : mother's birthplace : Louisiana, United States
self Calvin Knight M 44 Louisiana, United States
wife Lorenda Knight F 35 Mississippi, United States
son James C. Knight M 17 Louisiana, United States
daughter Mary J. Knight F 15 Louisiana, United States
son B. Kinzie Knight M 13 Louisiana, United States
daughter L. Corine Knight F 10 Louisiana, United States
son W. H. Knight M 8 Louisiana, United States
daughter Dora Knight F 4 Louisiana, United States
son Chas. W. Knight M 0 Louisiana, United States

The Census of 1900 has the family living in 4th Ward in Washington Parish.

name: Calvin Knight
event date: 1900
event place: ED 99 Ward 4, Washington, Washington, Louisiana, United States
birth date: Oct 1836
birthplace: Louisiana
relationship to head of household: Head
race or color (standardized): White
gender: Male
marital status: Married
years married: 38
estimated marriage year: 1862
mother how many children:
number living children:

head Calvin Knight M 64 Louisiana
wife Lurinda E Knight F 55 Mississippi
daughter Dora V Knight F 24 Louisiana
daughter Della L Knight F 18 Louisiana
granddaughter Alma Lane F 14 Louisiana
granddaughter Emily L Magee F 10 Louisiana
grandson Thomas W Magee M 8 Louisiana

Charles and Susannah Knight's children continued:

VIII. Aner Knight (born July 21, 1842-died May 28, 1876) buried in Enon Cemetery, married Feb. 10, 1859 to Washington J. Thigpen (born Sept. 1834-died May 12, 1907).

The 1860 Washington Parish Census shows 18 year old Anar Thigpen and 25 year old W. J. Thigpen living in 8th Ward. Also living with them was 33 year old Hugh Thigpen.

The 1870 Washington Parish Census:

Washington Thigpen
estimated birth year: 1834
age in 1870: 36y
White
birthplace: Louisiana
Home in 1870: Louisiana
Household
Washington Thigpen - 36y - birthplace Louisiana
Anna Thigpen - 26y - Louisiana
Mary Thigpen - 7y - Louisiana
John Tigpen - 5y - Louisiana
Martha Thigpen - 3y - Louisiana
James Thigpen - 2y - Louisiana

Aner Knight Thigpen, wife of Washington Jackson Thigpen, died May 28, 1876, and is buried in the Enon Baptist Cemetery.

W. J. Thigpen remarried and is shown in the 1880 Census living with his new wife Sarah Ann Jones, born in Washington Parish, 12-17-1843, to William H. Jones and Charlotte Morris.

The 1880 Census records shows the family living in 4th Ward, Washington Parish.

W. J. Thigpen, age 45, born Louisiana, farmer, father born Louisiana, mother born Louisiana

Sarah A. Thigpen, wife, age 36, born LA, keeping house

Jno. Thigpen, son age 16, born Louisiana

Eller Thigpen, dau, age 8, born Louisiana

A. V. Thigpen, other, female, age 6, born Louisiana
(correction to A.V. Thigpen: should be M. Averice - Male)
Rachel Jones, other, female, age 20, born Louisiana, servant

Next door to W. J. Thigpen was his daughter Mary and her husband William "Billy" J. Penton:

Wm. J. Penton, head of household, age 23, born MS,farmer, both parents born MS
Mary S. Penton, wife, age 18, born LA, keeping house, both parents born LA

Washington Parish Census 1900, Ward 4

Washington Thigpen
Birth date: Sep 1834
birthplace: Louisiana
Head of household
father's birthplace: Louisiana
mother's birthplace: Louisiana
Married
years married: 22
estimated marriage year: 1878
Household
Head of Household: Washington Thigpen - age 66
Wife: Sarah A Thigpen - age 58
Son: Averice M Thigpen - age 26
Granddaughter: Alice E Pow - age 16

Sarah Ann Jones Thigpen died 12-14-1902
Washington Jackson Thigpen died 5-12-1907.

1910 Washington Parish Census, Ward 3

Averice Thigpen
birthplace: Louisiana
Head of Household
Married
Household
Averice Thigpen age 35y
Wife Edna Thigpen - age 21y
Daughter Alberta Thigpen -age 7
Son Boyd Thigpen - age 5

Aner and Washington J. Thigpen had the following children:

John Travis Thigpen (born 11-24-1864-died 5-31-1926) buried in Enon Cemetery.

Ella Leona Thigpen married Eugene Magee

Mary Thigpen married Billie Penton.

Martha Thigpen was born about 1867, James Thigpen was born about 1868, and M. Averice Thigpen was born about 1875. Aner died 5-28-1876. W. J. Thigpen remarried about 1878 to Sarah Ann Jones.

M. Averice Thigpen 76 years; 02-19-1951; Enon Cemetery; Husband of Edna McElveen Thigpen.

Knight History