Cumberland County, Maine - John C. Knight
**********************************************************************
USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any
format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons
or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent
of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact
the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent.
The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file
permanently for free access. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb

This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
C. Wendland SilverDrusilla@aol.com
Copyright © 2005 by C. Wendland
Caitlin's Gold Award Project, Girl Scouts USA, Rio Grande Girl Scout Council,
El Paso, Texas
**********************************************************************

Biography
John C. Knight
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 586-587


John C. Knight, a well-known mason and builder of Westbrook, Me., son of Samuel
and Betsey (Crockett) Knight, was born in Portland, February 26, 1830. The
family for several generations have been residents of Maine; and Mr. Knight's
grandfather, Daniel Knight, was a prosperous farmer of Alfred, York County. He
reared a family of nine children, but one of whom is mow living.

Samuel Knight, son of Daniel, was born in Alfred; and in early manhood he
followed farming in that town. Later he removed to Portland, where he engaged in
the business of a stone mason, being employed on the public works of the city
for twelve years. He then went to Limerick, York County, Me., still retaining
his business interests in Portland; and after a residence there of about four
years he settled in Westbrook, where he made his home for the rest of his life.
In politics he was originally a Democrat, but gave his support to the Republican
party at its formation; and in his religious views he was a Baptist. His wife,
Betsey Crockett, who was born in Shapleigh, Me., became the mother of ten
children, six of whom are living, namely: Mark, a resident of Westbrook;
Catherine, wife of Marshall Hayes, of Westbrook; John C., the subject of this
sketch; Joseph, a member of the City Council of Westbrook; Lizzie, wife of
Wentworth Jordan, of Lisbon, Me.; and Ellen, wife of Alphonso Swett, of
Westbrook.

John C. Knight attended the public schools of Portland until reaching the age of
eleven years, when he accompanied his parents to Limerick, later removing with
them to Westbrook, where, after finishing his studies, he assisted in carrying
on the farm. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the mason's trade, serving
an apprenticeship of three years with Asa Leavitt, of Westbrook, for whom he
worked as a journeyman for two years. He then went to California, which was
still in the exciting period of its early history, being thronged with fortune-
seekers of nearly every class and nationality; and he continued to follow his
trade for some time, also working in the mines. After his return to Westbrook he
engaged as a mason and builder upon his own account, a business which he has
since conducted with successful results his energy and reliability, both as a
workman and a business man, are well known and highly appreciated by his fellow-
townspeople.

Mr. Knight has been twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth S. Sawyer,
daughter of Nelson Sawyer, of Westbrook; and by this union there were four
children, all of whom died in infancy. He wedded for his second wife A. Eugenia
Haskell, youngest daughter of Edmund Haskell, and by this marriage has one
child.

Mr. Knight supports the Republican party in politics, and although he has never
aspired to official prominence he takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is
a member of  Temple Lodge, No. 86, A. F. & A. M., and Saccarappa Lodge, No. 11,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Westbrook, and has been officially
connected with the administration of these organizations. As a business man and
a citizen he is highly esteemed and respected; and in social circles his genial
disposition and hearty good fellowship make his company enjoyable and welcome
upon all occasions