Obituary: Adams County, Wisconsin: Rachel KNIGHT

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Submitted by Joan Benner, <jmbenner@tznet.com> May 2005

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From the Adams County Press, Saturday January 16, 1904, Page 4

DEATH OF MRS. KNIGHT

Just when nearing the end of life's journey our friend and neighbor, Ezra
KNIGHT of Arkdale, must go on the way alone...The grief, the sense of
irreparable loss that comes with the death of such a one makes all
expressions of human sympathy seem vain, and we can but look to Him who
hath said that though dark and lonely be the way, "I will not leave thee
nor forsake thee."

For several years Mrs. KNIGHT's health had been failing, but only about two
weeks ago was she confined to her bed. Her advanced age and the weakness
resulting from years of ill health, made her recovery seem hopeless form
the first, and despite the skill of physicians and ministrations of her
family, she gradually grew worse until at two o'clock Sunday morning, she
peacefully passed away.

Mrs. KNIGHT, whose maiden name was Rachel DAWES, is survived by her
husband, Ezra KNIGHT, one daughter, Mrs. J. B. HILL of Friendship, one son,
Lincoln E. KNIGHT of Arkdale, four granddaughters, Misses Mabel and Grace
WOOCK of Baraboo, and Misses Nellie and Vena HILL of Friendship, and two
grandsons, Wm. WOOCK of Baraboo, and Bert HILL of Friendship. One son,
Edward, met death in the civil war, and one daughter, Maria (Mrs. Wm.
WOOCK) preceded her mother to the grave about fifteen years ago.

Funeral services were held at the home in Arkdale, Tuesday morning,
conducted by Rev. A. H. Smith of Friendship, who chose for his text these
words, "She hath done what she could." A quartette from Friendship,
consisting of Mrs. M. M. JONES, Mrs. F. THOMM, J. P. LEWIS and P. G.
COLLIPP, rendered appropriate music. The floral offerings were profuse and
beautiful. Large crowds of people who had known the deceased during the
many years of her residence at Arkdale, and many friends from Friendship
and Necedah gathered at the home to express their love and respect for her
who had gone out.

At the close of the services at the house, the remains were conveyed to the
cemetery at Strongs Prairie, where she was laid to rest beside members of
her family who had preceded her to the grave. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
From the Adams County Press, Saturday January 23, 1904, Page 1 Died, in
Arkdale, Wisconsin, on January 10, 1904, Rachel, wife of Ezra KNIGHT, age
78...

Rachel DAWES was born in Machias, Washington Co., Maine, September 24,
1825. Her father, Wm. M. DAWES, was a descendant of Wm. DAWES, who came
over with the first large party of Puritan emigrants in 1628, and who
founded the Boston and Salem settlements. Wm. DAWES, one of her ancestors,
was associated with Paul Revere in that memorable night ride from Boston to
Lexington.

Others of her ancestors were prominently identified with the "Old South
Church", Boston. From them she inherited the Puritanic ideas of justice and
mercy which formed the warp and woof of her religious life. She never
joined a church, though she affiliated with Christian workers. She
illustrated her faith by her works, the strongest evidence of true faith.

Her early life was passed in Machias and Lubec, Maine. At 18 years of age
she was married to Ezra KNIGHT. In 1849 the family moved to Wisconsin,
stopping at Fort Winnebago. From there they moved to Strongs Prairie.

Six children were born to them, two only surviving--Mrs. J. HILL of
Friendship and Lincoln KNIGHT of Arkdale. 

Their early life in Wisconsin was saddened by family bereavements--an
infant died very suddenly on the eve of their departure from the east;
within one year from the date of their arrival at Fort Winnebago they were
called upon to bury both of Mrs. KNIGHT's parents, one sister, one child
five years of age and one niece.

During their residence on Strongs Prairie, they lost by fire two residences
and contents, one store and a blacksmith shop. 

The DAWES families from time immemorial have been distinguished for their
patriotism and it was, therefore, in keeping with this ancestral trait that
Mr. and Mrs. KNIGHT gave their oldest son to the cause of their country,
though very sad that his young life should have been required as
sacrifice...