Life story retold by Dr Rhi Smith, Director of UMASCS (University Museums & Special Collections Services)
Joseph KNIGHT was born in Tewkesbury Feb 27 1853 to William KNIGHT Junior and Mary KNIGHT. His father (1823-?) was also a boot and shoe maker born in Philadelphia, U.S.A. but a British Subject. His brother William also helped with the company before emigrating to Auckland New Zealand around 1933.
As a young man Joseph moved to Birmingham serving as an apprentice in Warwick House in 1871, which seems to be a drapers. While there he seems to have found his faith being baptised in Lombard Street Baptist Church. In 1867 the firm of Knight and Rushcombe was up in court for making inaccurate claims of dishonesty against a member of staff. It was alleged that they did their to convince creditors that their poor financial situation was due to theft. In 1879 the firm of Knight and Ruschombe was dissolved.
Joseph moved back to Tewkesbury and started a business there at 3 Barton Street (the site of his father’s business). He also continued his work in the Baptist Church becoming a Superintendent of the Sunday School.
In 1890 he moved to Reading and started J.H.Knight at 39 Erleigh Road and the Arcade making and selling ‘K’ shoes. The family also resided at 39 Erleigh Road for several decades later moving to ‘Fairhaven’ 108 Shinfield Road. Census records show us that Joseph’s sons and daughters were actively involved in the business.
Joseph and his family joined the Wycliffe Baptist Church around the corner at Cemetery Junction. He was the Sunday School superintendent and was president of Reading’s Sunday School Union in 1915. He also served as Deacon (1893-1936) and an Elder (1936-) and was a member of the National Temperance League.
He enjoyed bowls and at the age of 80 took up tennis. He was an avid reader and loved his garden. He donated money to charities and supported Christian envangelical work around the world.
His wife, Laura, died (see biography) following an ongoing illness in 1929 followed shortly after by the tragic death of his 6 year old grandson Bernard (see biography). She is buried with Joseph who died in February 1946. His funeral was held at Wycliffe Baptist Church.
Sources
- Tewkesbury Register 27 November 1948
- Reading Standard 15 February 1946
- Reading Standard 08 February 1946
- Tewkesbury Register 16 February 1946
Division 24, Row B, Plot 26