George J. Knighton

GEORGE J. KNIGHTON, one of the prosperous business men of Weir City, who carries on a large general grocery business, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1870, and is a son of George Knighton.

The subject of this sketch came to America with his father in 1886. He is one of a family of seven children, all of whom live in the United States, viz.: Lizzie, wife of Frank Baker, located near Weir City; George J.; H. T.; Mary, wife of James Hope, living near Weir City; Sarah, wife of Archie Brown, a resident of the same vicinity; William; and Ernest.

On coming to America, George J. Knighton and his father settled near Scranton, Pennsylvania, where they worked in the coal mines, and later in the mines at Midway, near Pittsburg, Kansas. In 1891 they came to Weir City, where they worked in the mines, and where the father is still employed. From 1891 to 1897, the subject of this sketch was engaged in the mines and in other occupations. In the latter year he started an oil wagon, and followed that business for about three years, visiting customers at Weir City, Scammon and throughout the county. In 1900 he bought two lots on West Main street, Weir City, on which he erected his present commodious store building, and then went into the general grocery business. Mr. Knighton has met with the success his energy and industry deserve, and he is held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. He has always taken an interest in the general advancement of Weir City's interests, having served one year on the city's School Board, and five years on the board of District No. 59.

In politics, Mr. Knighton is independent. Fraternally, he belongs to Encampment No. 60. I. O. O. F., at Weir City. He is one of the active, earnest, working members of the Methodist Church in the city.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 3/11/97.