b. 24/01/1837 Apple Creek, Ohio. d. 26/09/1916 Stryker, Ohio.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 04/1862 Georgia.
William J Knight MOH
Knight was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1837. His parents died before he was five years old, and he was raised by his grandfather Jacob Knight. Around 1852 Knight moved to Farmer Township, Defiance County.
He trained as an engineer. He enlisted as a private in Company E of the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry on August 29, 1861. He was one of 22 soldiers who volunteered for the Andrews Raid of April, 1862. He escaped from the Confederates following his capture. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in September, 1863. By 1886 Knight moved to Stryker, Williams County, Ohio and gave presentations on the Andrews Raid. Knight passed away at his Allison Street, Stryker, Ohio residence.
MOH CITATION:
One of 19 of 24 men (including two civilians) who, by direction of Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchell, penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory and captured a railroad train at Big Shanty, Ga., in an attempt to destroy the bridges and track between Chattanaooga and Atlanta.
BURIAL LOCATION: OAKWOOD CEMETERY, STRYKER, OHIO.
LOT 499, BLOCK A, GRAVE 4.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
