Dr James McKnight Grave

[Snudge21]

I am trying to find the grave of a Dr James McKnight LL.D who died 8th June 1876 aged 75 in Londonderry. Dr McKnight was originally from Rathfriland, County Down before moving to Belfast and eventually Londonderry where he edited the Belfast Newsletter, The Banner of Ulster and The Londonderry Standard. He also played a key role in land reform for Ulster tenants. In 1846 he married Catherine McPhearson but there was no children from the marriage. He had three sister Agnes (married name Keane), Hannah (married name Martin) and Elizabeth (married name Cowan). I know he predeceased his wife because she is mentioned as the main beneficiary in his will.

I am assuming that because he died in Londonderry then it is most likely to be his place of burial.   

[rathmore]

Have you written to any of the newspapers, he was the editor of the Londonderry standard till his death.

[Snudge21]

No I haven't but I would consider it, according to the obituary in the Belfast Newsletter he had retired as editor of the Londonderry Standard a few weeks before his death.

[hallmark]

I am trying to find the grave of a Dr James McKnight LL.D who died 8th June 1876 aged 75 in Londonderry. Dr McKnight was originally from Rathfriland, County Down before moving to Belfast and eventually Londonderry where he edited the Belfast Newsletter, The Banner of Ulster and The Londonderry Standard. He also played a key role in land reform for Ulster tenants. In 1846 he married Catherine McPhearson but there was no children from the marriage. He had three sister Agnes (married name Keane), Hannah (married name Martin) and Elizabeth (married name Cowan). I know he predeceased his wife because she is mentioned as the main beneficiary in his will.

I am assuming that because he died in Londonderry then it is most likely to be his place of burial.   

Assume nothing....

[DoireM]

James McKnight is buried in Derry City Cemetery. 

[hallmark]

Only 1 on findagrave but not yours....

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gsr&GSln=McKnight&GSiman=1&GScid=2139939&

[scotmum]

According to the Derry Journal of 9th June 1876, he died the previous morning at his residence in Derry. His funeral was to leave for the Cemetery on the 12th.

[rathmore]

write up about him on this site, Presbyterian History

http://www.presbyterianhistoryireland.com

then type in search box - M'Knight

then click on Brief Biographics of irish Presbyterian

this site might

His will says he had a sister Hannah Martin who died before him he left his nephew his gold watch. sound like a really good man.

[Snudge21]

Thanks for this information.

His will makes sure that everyone in his family is well looked after, he even says Magee College can buy his library if they so wish. He campaigned for most of his life for the rights of Ulster tenants believing that they should be entitled to a fair rent and be able to buy their land if they wanted to. He was prepared to set aside his political differences with the man who would be his good friend, Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, for a common cause. He does seem a like a good man.