Anthony Willis family tree » Vinson Knight (1804-1842)

Persoonlijke gegevens Vinson Knight 

• Alternatieve naam: 123456
• Hij is geboren op 14 maart 1804 in Norwich, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States .Bron 1
• Hij is overleden op 31 juli 1842 in Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois, United States, hij was toen 38 jaar oud.Bron 1
• Hij is begraven in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, United States of America.Bron 1
• Een kind van Rodolphus Knight en Rizpah Lee

Gezin van Vinson Knight

Hij is getrouwd met Martha McBride.

Zij zijn getrouwd op 6 juli 1826 te New York, Verenigde Staten, hij was toen 22 jaar oud.

Kind(eren):

1. Almira Knight  1827-1912
2. Rizpah Jane Knight  1829-1895 
3. Adaline Knight  1831-1919
4. James Vincent Knight  1833-1912
5. Nathaniel Knight  1835-1836
6. Martha Abigail Knight  1839-1844
7. Rodolphus Elderkin Knight  1841-1842

Notities over Vinson Knight

Vinson Knight was born March 14, 1804, in Massachusetts. At 21 years old, living in New York, he married Martha McBride. Vinson had dark hair and eyes, was muscular, and broad-shouldered. Some of Martha's family were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith and Parley Pratt taught the gospel to Vinson and Martha in their home. The Knights were baptized in the spring of 1834. They left their farm and moved to Kirtland. Vinson studied Hebrew in the School of the Prophets and participated in dedication of Kirtland Temple. He received his patriarchal blessing from Joseph Smith, Sr. Being thrifty and intelligent in business, he was called upon to be a land-purchasing agent for the Church. He served in the bishopric at Kirtland, and later as Bishop of Adam-Ondi-Ahman and Nauvoo. The Knights were forced to flee their home in Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri. He helped develop the city of Nauvoo, and served as part of the Nauvoo legion, a member of Nauvoo city council, and as regent of the University of the City of Nauvoo. He was a close friend of Joseph Smith. Vinson died suddenly from typhoid fever at age 38.
SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF VINSON KNIGHT By Lola Belnap Coolbear (This little sketch has been written that the true-life story of our forefathers may live in the memories of our children; that the coming generations may know how we came to be connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most of the dates have been gleaned from the Church histories, but the stories were told by Martha McBride Knight and later by her son, James Knight and her daughter Adaline Knight Belnap.) Vinson Knight was a man to be admired, well built with strong muscles and broad shoulders, keen dark eyes and rather dark hair. He was an honest law-abiding citizen, and a bright businessman. His disposition was probably the most to be admired; having rather set determined ways, yet kind and considerate to his friends, tender and affectionate to his wife and children. He was the son of Rudolphus Knight and Rizpah Lee, and was born in Norwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, March 14, 1804. He married Martha McBride, the youngest daughter of Daniel McBride and Abigail Mead, July 6, 1826. Vinson had two older brothers, Rudolphus and Samuel Lee. The three had inherited some property from their deceased father. Vinson’s portion being a little clearing amid the timbers of New York, in the town of Perrysburgh where his thrifty nature had a splendid chance to develop. In only eight years time Vinson’s clearing grew to a beautiful farm. There was a large frame house in the place of the log cabin. There were fields of wheat, potatoes and corn, patches of hemp and flax. Maple trees were tapped for sugar and syrup, and a fruit orchard planted. He had stock, horsed and sheep and a large flock of geese. He raised, killed and cured their meat, and made the soap for the household use. The housekeeper complained of a large sack of money that was always in the way on the bottom shelf of the cupboard. Vinson worked his farm with all the energy of brain and muscle, for coursing through his veins was the proud blood of the Knight family. The wants of his wife and children must be well supplied, for he had married one of the most beautiful daughters of Massachusetts, and her little hands must never be hardened with heavy work. Martha was a dainty little woman with fine, delicate features, gray-blue eyes and dark hair. Her sensitive nature was the soul of honor and although her hands were never allowed to do hard work; yet they were never idle. There being no sewing machines, she ran the spinning wheel and plied her needle on the woolen goods and yards and yards of linen made from the wool and flax that grew on their own farm. Her handwork was a wonder of neatness, her seams being so small that one could scarcely tell the right side from the wrong, and her stitches could hardly be found. Her mind was submissive to deep religious thought, for her father, Daniel McBride had been a Campbellite minister, and that religion appealed to all the family as being nearest the plan of salvation as taught by Jesus. But sometimes her father, when returning from church would say to his family, “There is something lacking. I feel that I have not the authority as the Prophets of old. If only I could say to the people, ‘Thus sayeth the Lord’.” Although he did not live to receive that divine authority himself, he had called the attention of his family to the lack of it, and prepared their hearts to receive the restoration of that order when it was revealed to Joseph Smith. Abigail Mead McBride (mother of Vinson’s wife) was a widow when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in 1830. But she and others of the family very soon became members. At this time of the great religious revival, when all people were taking interest in some religion, Vinson’s people were revised Christians, with lofty ideas of their own; and when it was reported that a boy, named Joseph Smith had found a golden book, and saw and angel, and was trying to establish a church, they were inclined to smile and believed him to be a dreamer or an imposter. But religion had not yet disturbed the peace of this quiet family. Vinson and Martha were contented with their beautiful home and family of four children, Almira, Rizpah, Adaline, and James. Vinson’s mother also made her home with them. So it happened that March 21, 1834, became an eventful evening for them all. Vinson was resting from his day’s labor on a buffalo robe in the corner of the dining room when two gentlemen came to the door and made themselves known as Joseph Smith and Parley P. Pratt. Martha had heard of them through her folks and bade them welcome. Vinson’s mother had also heard of them, and she hurriedly put on her bonnet, and went to the neighbors, a widow. She told her story hastily and asked to stay all night for she said, “I never could sleep under the same roof with those Mormons.” The widow listened with sympathy and remarked that it was a good thing that it happened tonight for she said, “My son is away and you may have his room.” Mother Knight felt so thankful when she retired for the night that she at least, was wise enough not to stay and listen to the stories of deceitful men and praying for her dear son and daughter-in-law, that they might not be deceived. She soon fell asleep. Now the widow’s son knew that his mother was not expecting him home, and thinking not to disturb her, he unlocked the door with his own key and without making a light, tiptoed to his own room, slipped off his trousers and quickly turned down the blanket. The widow was awakened by a scream. She started for the scene, but was almost run over by the retreating form of the bashful young man. This story was told by the widow—Mother Knight’s pride would never have allowed her to tell it. Vinson inherited the same proud spirit of his mother and he, like her, felt very indifferent toward the visitors. He knew that Joseph Smith had been the talk and the laughing stock of the people and newspapers for years, but being a generous man, he could not refuse them entertainment. They were friends of his wife’s folks, and she felt annoyed to see her husband too indifferent to arise from the buffalo robe. The conversation during the evening somewhat changed the opinion of Vinson and his wife, and caused them to look into the truth of Joseph Smith’s character and investigate his religion, and even attend some of the meetings. They soon found that Joseph Smith had been misrepresented and they became convinced that he was no false prophet, but an instrument in the hands of the Lord to restore the true gospel of Christ, that had been taken from the earth, Many people in New York and Massachusetts accepted the restored gospel, but Vinson’s folks were among those who saw and heard no significance in the teachings of Joseph Smith. Therefore, it must have been a trial to them all to see Vinson led off, as it were. It must have grieved the tender feelings of his dear mother, who could not connect the doctrines of Joseph Smith with the teachings of Christ. But the whisperings of the gospel’s spirit found an echo in Vinson’s heart, and he, with his wife were baptized in the spring of 1834. New thoughts and a new life seemed to have come to them with glad tidings of great joy for the living and the dead, changing their lives and giving them new desires. If the new members of the new church were going to Ohio, building the City of Kirtland and a temple then New York could no longer hold them, for Vinson always did everything with the same energy that he worked his farm. Oh, his farm, what could he do with it? How could he leave the place where they had spent so many happy years, and which was making him rich? Dispose of it? Of course, at any price. What was this place to them now? They were seeking a new home, not a home of worldly wealth and comfort, but a home eternal. Chapter II It was about 135 miles down to Kirtland, but they traveled by stagecoach, and canal boat, so it took five or six days. Maria Crandle, a niece of Martha Knight and Lydia Goldwait, who afterwards became the wife of Newel Knight (no relation of Vinson’s) came with them and lived with them for some time. It was the early part of June 1835, which was a beautiful time of the year to make the trip. The people were working hard and the town bid fare to become a beautiful city. The Saints had tried to settle in Jackson County, Missouri, but had been terribly persecuted, and finally driven from their homes. Brother Joseph had organized a company called Zion’s Camp, who went down to Missouri and tried to make peace with the county and get the people back in their homes, but did not accomplish their purpose. The twelve apostles had been chosen members of Zion’s Camp and some of them were now away on their first missions, The Knight family found peace and quietude in Kirtland and continued so for two years, probably the most peaceful days in early Church History. They soon received their Patriarchal Blessings from Father Smith. Chapter III It was Joseph Smith, Sen. Who selected the name of Nathaniel for their next baby, and blessed him. Nathaniel was born Dec. 31, 1835 and died Oct. 31, 1836. By coming to Kirtland, Vinson Knight had the pleasure of studying Hebrew in the school of the Prophets. He was voted to be ordained an elder in a council meeting January 2, 1836 and right away his busy life in the Church began. On the13th of the same January he was appointed councilor to Newell K. Whitney (the bishop of Kirtland). A part of the minutes of the council read as follows: “Wed. Jan. 13, 1836: A council meeting was held and among those present besides the Prophet was the president of Kirtland and Zion’s Stakes, namely: Joseph Smith Sr., Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, and W. W. Phelps: also the Twelve Apostles, the high council of Zion and Kirtland, and the presidency of the Seventies and more of the elders. The council came to order by singing “Adam-ondi-Ahman” and opened by prayer offered up by Joseph Smith Sr. The Prophet made some remarks and spoke of the business of the day, which was to supply some deficiencies in the Bishopric and in the high council. Elder Vinson Knight was nominated as a councilor in the Bishopric of Kirtland; the nomination was made by the bishop and seconded by the presidency. Elder Knight was then ordained under the hands of Bishop Newel K. Whitney, to fill the place of Hyrum Smith, who had been ordained to the presidency of the High Council of Kirtland. Council adjourned by singing “Come, Let Us Rejoice.” The Prophet, in recording his thought of the meeting, wrote ; “This has been one of the best days I ever spent; there had been an entire union of feeling expressed in all our proceedings this day and the Spirit of the God of Israel has rested upon us in mighty power.” This whole year had been a time of rejoicing for Joseph, the Prophet and his people. Vinson Knight enjoyed the spirit and worked with the rest, for he was a doer of everything that was asked him and he felt it a pleasure to labor with those noble men. He had the pleasure of being present at so many of those glorious meetings held during the year of 1836. The people were overjoyed at the completion of their temple. And the dedication would always be remembered by the saints, the speaking and the prayer and the songs, so full of the grace and glory of God. That assembly unanimously sustained Joseph Smith Jr. as their Prophet, Seer and Revelator. They also sustained the Twelve and all the other leaders in the different organizations. The Prophet was so delighted with the unity of Spirit that prevailed, and in speaking to the people that day his very soul was full of blessings for them all. In unity there is strength, and he blessed them in the name of Christ and told them; “So long as they held together in unity that all of the blessings of heaven were theirs, but if not, the judgements of God will follow close upon you until that City, or that House, which rejects us shall be left desolate.” How dearly did the Prophet love his brethren and sisters, especially the Twelve Apostles? What pleasure did he take in the new temple, with his brethren, anointing and blessing them and prophesying their future and they in turn anointing, blessing and even prophesying to others? Vinson Knight received anointing and blessings at that time and had the power given him to officiate in the ordinance from day to day. Years afterwards, one Brother Taylor of the Mormon Battalion, told Vinson’s daughter that her father was a true prophet, for he had given him his anointings and blessings in the Kirtland Temple and prophesied things to him that he had seen fulfilled all during his life, especially during his trials in the Battalion. If only that beautiful spirit of unity could have remained, if only the people as a whole would listen to the advice of their leader; but, no, that dark year of 1837 must follow, and was even casting shadows before it. There were a good many causes for the dissatisfaction that was now creeping into the hearts of the people. It would take volumes to tell all that happened, but suffice it to say that one of the main causes was the failure of their bank. Although, at this time there were banks failing all over the United States, yet some of the Prophet’s dearest friends, as well as those more distant, blamed him for the failure of this one. He had little to think of it, though, for in spite of everything, Zion was growing. More people were coming into the Church daily. The apostles who were in England and other places were wending emigrants to Kirtland and Joseph must prepare for them. So it was agreed in General Conference that more land should be bought. Bishop Whitney and his counselors issued a proclamation to the Saints, entreating them to assist all that they could in this undertaking. The Prophet, leaving Apostle Brigham Young to take care of affairs in Kirtland, went to Far West, Sept 27 accompanied by Brothers Williams and Knight. It was a long trip, taking more than a month. They held conference and looked at all the country around and decided there was a gathering place for the Saints. They returned to Kirtland about Dec. 10. In Kirtland the whole church was in commotion. Many had apostatized. Apostates had united with non-Mormons and undertook to overthrow the Church and denounce Joseph Smith as a fallen Prophet. Brigham Young was true to Joseph, and declared by all the powers of the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was still the same true prophet, but he lost control of affairs and was forced to go away and leave them. Some few had placed themselves at the head of a new church declaring themselves to be in the right, that they owned the whole Church, and even the temple. During one of the meetings when Joseph was trying to preside, one of this class of men, who was standing in the back of the room, became excited and declared he would put Joe Smith out of the temple. The aisles being full of standing people, he stepped upon the back of a bench and started for the stand, stepping from the back of one bench to another between the heads of the people. Brother Joseph was equal to the occasion and remained calm. Turning to Brother Knight he said, “Brother Vinson, take this man out.” Quick as a thought, Vinson caught the man by the legs and tossed him head downward over his shoulders, and carried him struggling and bawling out of the building. Brother Knight’s little children always remember the occasion. Vinson was only one of the many true friends and faithful saints that loved and believed in Brother Joseph. But there were enough untrue men to form a mob and disturb and threaten and become more vicious until the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon were forced to take to the saddle and flee for their lives in the cold, bleak January of 1838. The departure of Brother Joseph from Kirtland caused unrest among the Saints. Their homes and the temple were in Kirtland, but contentment had left. Their leader had been driven from them and the house nor the city that would not shelter him could not hold them. They were ready to share the fate of the Prophet. Brother Joseph sent word to the Saints that there was room for them in Missouri, and most of them were soon moving to Far West and other places near there. It was a long way and took them nearly two months traveling as they did by horse and team with four or five families to a company. The Prophet had said that Zion shall be built upon this continent, the center of which would be in Missouri; and the people well knew that Zion meant a home of beauty and order, where righteous people would live in peace and union. The Knight family arrived with others at Far West, Missouri some time in June and were sent directly to a new location, twenty-five miles north. June 28, 1838 Brother Knight was appointed Bishop, to preside over Adam-Ondi-Ahman. They bought a farm from Adam Black, a justice of the peace, and gave part payment for the same. All the family was delighted with their new home, and the children played at will along the shady banks of the river there. During the summer all kinds of fruits and nuts grew in abundance. Homes were made and in a few weeks even towns were built. The people were happy, indeed, for they felt that Missouri was their home, perhaps their Zion. The new town of Adam-Ondi-Ahman was particularly interesting to them for here it was that Adam dwelt (said the prophet) and was led and talked with God. Here it was that his descendants had built altars and offered sacrifices. To the joy of the Saints, there was one of these altars still standing on the bluff above the river as an emblem of the hallowed spot. Although some of the old settlers had sold them their land, they were determined that the Saints should not live among them with no other excuse than they had an unpopular religion. In July of that summer the Missourians refused the Saints the right of voting and the trouble started. The Saints tried to make peace. Joseph Smith led out and offered himself in court to answer false charges, hoping to save further trouble. He tried to reason with some men in authority and get them to agree to at least wait until the Saints had committed an offense before they were punished. It was of no use. The government authorities were as determined as were the old settlers to have things go wrong. More than that, some of these men in authority were rogues in the extreme, and took pleasure in pointing out to the old settlers what wealth they would gain in the coming land sales. Should the Mormons be driven out, they could get possession of their homes without paying for them. They formed mobs against the Saint driving off their horses, sheep, cattle, hogs, etc and even burned houses and took prisoners. They surprised the town of Haun’s Mill and massacred nearly all of them. The Saints living in small towns began to flee to the larger towns for protection. With Governor Boggs’ extermination order, Bishop Vinson Knight had no time to lose. Just ten days and not half enough teams left to move the people in his ward. They got word that they could remain in Far West until spring and a few men could go to and fro for four weeks to gather the remains of their crops. Bishop Knight was forced to work in disguise for everyone who appeared to be a leader was taken by the mob. It had been hard for Vinson’s wife to see their crops destroyed and their cows driven off to feed the hungry mob, while their own family went hungry. And now to be forced to leave a comfortable home with her little children right at the beginning of winter and live she knew not where---but her faith in God’s care never faltered. Gathering clothing and bedding, she was ready to go. Her husband was on the road helping others but he sent one Brother Fisk after them. The children ever remember the mud and the rain, and the ride of 25 miles under a quilt. Adaline was the first to recognize her father in disguise. It was October and the miserable storms of a long dreary winter had set in earlier than usual. The Saints were crowding into Far West from every direction without sufficient clothing for winter and there was not enough food in Far West to feed the multitude. Some of them were already sick and dying from exposure. The news of the Haun’s Mill Massacre added terror to the occasion. The Prophet’s kind words and good advice, while he exerted every effort to relieve their suffering seemed to be their only comfort. Although they had permission to stay in Far West until spring, the Saints were ready to leave in the midst of winter. The Lord softened the hearts of the people in Quincy, Illinois, and many other places where the people found shelter until spring. The Knight family found refuge with some friends in Pike County, Missouri, where a baby was born to them and they named him Rudolphus Elderkin. Heaven blessed those unconquered heroes who had courage to cling to their religion with so many disappointments. Chapter III The spring of 1839 found the Saints gathering together again, still hopeful though weakened in health. In spite of the persecutions, their numbers were rapidly growing and a site for a city must be found for the exiled Saints. Brother Joseph, who had been in prison in Missour on false charge, was now with them again. He heard of a chance to get land in Illinois and he with Alason Ripley and Vinson Knight were chosen as a committee to go to Illinois and select the new town site. They decided on Commerce, Hancock County, and bought 135 acres from Hugh White for which they agreed to pay $6000, also a large tract lying west of the White purchase of Dr. Isaac Galland for $9000. Before leaving Quincy, they held a conference (May 4th) in the Presbyterian campgrounds near Quincy. Brother Knight had been bishop, protem, since his appointment in Adam-ondi-ahman until this conference when he was appointed bishop in reality. After that the purchase of many acres of land for the Church was entrusted to him and he helped to lay out several townsites. The Saints soon moved to the new location, but the country was swampy and the air full of malaria. In their weakened state they were ready victims for disease. There was sickness in every camp; thus the faith of the people was tested in another extreme. Although the hot summer months passed by, they worked hard and prayed. They were blessed and healed. They drained the lands, which improved the climate and were ready in the fall for another spiritual feast at another conference time. Bishops were appointed for three wards—Newel K. Whitney for the middles ward, Edward Partridge for the upper ward, and Vinson Knight was appointed bishop of the lower ward. The Saints were now growing so rapidly and working so industriously that in only two or three years the world began to hear of a remarkable city called Nauvoo. Brother Knight, like other willing workers, was engaged in all kinds of business affairs for the Church and city. He was elected a member of the first council in February 1841. Hew a member of many committees and instructor of other committees. If Brother Joseph was away, it was Vinson who would look after the wants of his family. He was always ready to look after the widows and orphans. Brother Knight, with other bishops, organized the lesser Priesthood on March 21, 1841. On Monday, June 7, 1841, he with many others accompanied Brother Joseph to Missouri for a trial on a false charge. Vinson Knight was introduced into the Lodge of Masons by Joseph Smith himself on April 13, 1842. He was a member of the Nauvoo Agriculture and Manufacturing Association. He was one of the Prophet’s lifeguards in the Nauvoo Legion. Thus Vinson’s time and talent were spent for the church, for the family, and his country. Once, while walking with his brethren on the street, Joseph Smith was overcome with the spirit of revelation. His brother Hyrum and Vinson Knight carried him quietly through the schoolroom to his office above. Vinson prayed in his heart that the Lord would give him some direction through the Prophet. When the revelation was recorded, Section 124, there were indeed words direct to Vinson Knight. Shortly after this revelation was given, their sons, Nathaniel and Rudolphus, became ill and died. In the spring of 1842, Vinson decided to build a new home of brick. Before the house was completed, he became ill with typhoid fever and died on July 30, 1842, leaving his wife with four children, the oldest about 16. The Prophet Joseph Smith spoke at his funeral and in his talk he said, “There lies a man that has done more for me than my own brother would do!” The house was finally completed and the lower part rented, while the family moved upstairs. The oldest girl, Almira, went to different homes doing sewing. Finally, she went to the home of Mr. Stoddard who was a widower and an apostate. Her mother and sisters grieved when she came home on evening to bid them goodbye as she was moving to Akron, Ohio. Their means of living were nearly exhausted. The youngest son was too small to be of much help. When the Relief Society was organized in 1842, Martha Knight was one among the first members. Adaline Knight was there at the first meeting with her mother. She was 11 years old. They witnessed and suffered with the rest of the people the murder of their Prophet and Patriarch. In December 1845 Adaline married Gilbert Belnap and Rizpah married Andrew Gibbons, leaving Martha with one son, James. When the people were forced to leave Nauvoo, Gilbert took charge of Martha Knight’s property and sold what he could and bought a wagon and oxen. They loaded what they could in the wagon and left the rest in the house. In February 1846 they crossed the Mississippi on solid ice and started west. James drove the team. They camped at Winter Quarters. Martha was very sick and came very near death. They were afflicted with scurvy as they traveled because they had no vegetables. In the spring they decided to go into Missouri for a while where Gilbert worked as a wheelwright making wagons. They stayed here until spring of 1850 when they started west in Captain Well’s company. Martha endured the trials and hardships of that long weary march. Nearing the mountains one of Gilbert’s oxen died. They hitched the cow in. Finally the cow died. Then his wagon was sold for a trifle and Adaline and Gilbert moved their things to Martha’s wagon and came on to Salt Lake. They stayed there a short time, then moved Ogden. They were among the first people there.

Comments 1• 26 January 2015Here are the scriptures directed to Vinson Knight in section 124:73-76. 73 - And there are others also who wish to know my will concerning them, for they have asked it at my hands. 74 - Therefore, I say unto you concerning my servant Vinson Knight, if he will do my will let him put stock into that house for himself, and for his generation after him, from generation to generation. 75 - And let him lift up his voice long and loud, in the midst of the people, to plead the cause of the poor and the needy; and let him not fail, neither let his heart faint; and I will accept of his offerings, for they shall not be unto me as the offerings of Cain, for he shall be mine, saith the Lord. 76 - Let his family rejoice and turn away their hearts from affliction; for I have chosen him and anointed him, and he shall be honored in the midst of his house, for I will forgive all his sins, saith the Lord. Amen.

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