Stephen Knight
MSA SC 3520-776
Biography
Born: Probably in Kent County, of age by 1708.
Resided: In Cecil County; Kent County, ca. 1737.
Married: First, on February 24, 1708, Sarah, widow of Thomas Robinson, daughter of James Frisby (ca. 1651-1704). Sarah was the granddaughter of James Frisby (?-1674) and wife Mary. She was the niece of William Frisby (by 1664-1713). Her brothers were James (1676-died in infancy); Thomas (1681- ca. 1715/16); James Frisby (1684-1719); Peregrine Frisby (1688-1739); Jacob (1693-by 1704); Francis, baptized July 7, 1697; and William (1699- 1724). Her sisters were Mary (1678/79-?), who never married; Mary (1690-by 1704); and Frances (1696-by 1704). Her nieces were Ann (1727- 1793), who married second, William Fitzhugh (ca. 1722-1798); Ariana Margaret (1717-?), who married William Harris (1704-1748).
Married: Second, on November 30, 1731, Ann Seaton.
Died: Will probated on March 21, 1745; his residence at death was in Kent County.
Children
Sons: William (1709-1746), clerk of Cecil County, 1733-1746, and deputy commissary, 1742-1746, who married on November 7, 1741, Rachel, who was the daughter of Daniel Dulany (1685- 1753), and who subsequently married Rev. Henry Addison; Frisby (1712-1712); and John (1716- 1743), who married on May 15, 1740, Mary, who was the daughter of John Thompson and wife Mary, and who subsequently married Adam Vanbibber.
Daughters: Mary (1714-?), who married on December 31, 1731, Humphrey Wells, son of Capt. John Stokes of Baltimore County; Sarah (1719-?), who married (first name unknown) Philips; and Cordelia.
Private Career
Education: Literate.
Religious Affiliation: Anglican, St. Stephens Church, North Sassafras Parish, Cecil County.
Social Status and Activities: Mr., by 1708; Gent., by 1713; Esq., by 1716.
Occupational Profile: Probably planter.
Public Career
Legislative Service: Lower House, Cecil County, 1720 (elected to the 3rd session of the 1719-1721/22 Assembly to fill vacancy; Knight was asked to withdraw from the Lower House on October 14, 1720, after the Committee of Elections and Privileges reported that through the sheriff's oversight, no indenture was returned for his election), 1728-1731.
Other Provincial Offices: Riding surveyor of Bohemia and Sassafras, 1706/7-1743 (resigned); naval officer of Cecil County, 1711-1733 (resigned); justice, Provincial Court, 1735-1744/45 (quorum by 1743-1745); judge, Assize Court, Eastern Shore, 1737-at least 1743.
Local Offices: Justice, Cecil County, 1715/16-1730, Kent County, commissioned 1733; justice, Court of Oyer, Terminer, and Gaol Delivery, Cecil County, commissioned 1715, Kent County, commissioned 1736; North Sassafras Parish Vestry, Cecil County, 1717-1722; clerk, Cecil County, 1718-1733 (resigned in favor of his son); deputy commissary, Cecil County, 1722/23-1733/34.
Wealth During Lifetime
Land at First Election: 1,373 acres in Cecil County (by personal acquisition); he also held a mortgage on 550 acres.
Significant Changes in Land Between First Election and Death: Deeded as a gift 300 acres in Cecil County to his son, 1741. Acquired 3 lots in Chester Town, Kent County, ca. 1732. Sold two of the Chester Town lots in 1737, and deeded the third lot as a gift to his sister-in-law, Ann Frisby, 1743.
Wealth at Death
Personal Property: Requested no appraisal of estate.
Land: ca. 1,000 acres in Cecil County.
Return to Stephen Knight's Introductory Page
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