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2002 Grand marshal William Knight
Mr. Knight was born on Oak Hill Farm, Trappe Road, Street MD on September
23, 1919. He still lives there to this day. He attended Trappe School (on Trappe
Road) for the elementary grades and Dublin High School. While at Dublin High
School Bill played on Dublin’s soccer and speedball teams (county champions),
was a member of the Future Farmers of America, the 4H Club and Vice-President of
his Senior Class. He also found time to participate in the school’s operettas
and plays! He graduated from high school in 1937, despite only being in school
between late November to early spring, farm chores had precedence back then.
Bill obtained his driver’s license at the early age of 14 (1933), so he
could drive the farm trucks on his father’s farm. He apparently was good at it
as he became the first driver for the Dublin-Darlington Milk Co-operative, which
his father, Main Knight founded. While working at Bethlehem Steel, Bill was called for the service of his country in 1941. After spending training periods in Louisiana (Louisiana Maneuvers with Eisenhower), radar training in Washington State, an assignment in White Sands, New Mexico, and at Ft. Jackson, SC, Bill was shipped overseas as a soldier in the 87th INFANTRY DIVISION (Golden Acorn Division), which saw duty in the European Theater of Operations in General Geo. S. Patton’s Third U.S. Army. Bill saw duty at the Battle of the Bulge and was involved in the Campaigns of Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the Bronze Star and several campaign medals. He was also involved in the liberation of some of the concentration camps.
Upon his return from combat Bill worked as an electrician before
eventually becoming a dairy farmer on the family farm. In 1952 Bill married Ruth Ellen Gochenauer of
Lancaster, PA. He is the loving father of three, William J. Knight Jr., Ellen E.
Knight, and Mary E. Knight. The daughters married and provided him with two
son-in-laws, John Cullum and Mark Raab, as well as two grand-sons, Brian J.
Cullum and James J Raab. During his tenure as a dairy farmer,
Mr. Knight was the president of the Dublin-Darlington
Co-operate for 26 years. The farm which he and his brother operated received
several soil conservation awards for strip and contour farming and was awarded
“Farm of the Year” several times. Upon his retirement from the dairy
business, Mr. Knight drove a school bus for 10-11 years and was appreciated and
loved by all his children friends. He continues farming part time at the
Woodbine Farm in Airville which is owned by his sister-in-law, nephews, and
niece. He loves farming the land and being outdoors on a tractor.
Mr. Knight is a loyal, life-long and persistent member of the Dublin
United Methodist Church. During his life he has held many office positions,
taught Sunday School, drove church bus, and participated in mission outreach
programs such as the Berkley Springs Home Improvement Projects. This project
rehabilitated homes for the low-income people of West Virgina. Participants
camped at a local retreat for weeks while performing home improvement tasks.
Additionally, Mr. Knight provides assistance to members of the
congregation and community in the form of odd jobs, home repairs, and gardening
assistance. He visits many shut-ins within the community. Since his retirement
from dairy farming business Mr. Knight volunteers for “Meals-On-Wheels” each
week, providing the elderly not only meals, but companionship and occasional
roses and vegetables from his garden.
It is with pride and honor that we acknowledge the effort and
contribution that Mr. Knight has unselfishly given to his country, community and
fellow citizens. Congratulation,
William James Knight Dublin’s
Grand marshal for 2002
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