Rev. B. A. McKnight, age 80, of Belleville departed this live April 21, 1955. He was the youngest son of Milton and Caroline (Sutton) McKnight, born on his father's farm in Osage County, Missouri, October 18th, 1874. He labored on the farm during the spring and summer months and attended the public school during the winters. In his eighteenth year he attended the Linn High School, and the following autumn began teaching, continuing for five years, giving entire satisfaction as a teacher.

In July, 1898, he was converted at Mint Hill Church, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Linn, Missouri, while Rev. W. H. Suddath, his future father-in-law, was pastor. He felt the call of God to the work of the ministry and at once entered Central College, Fayette, Missouri, remaining there until June, 1900, having been licensed to preach at the session of the Boonville District Conference, which convened at California, Missouri, in May 1899. In September, 1900, he was married to Miss Viola Lee Suddath, the third daughter of Rev. W H. Suddath, and was sent by Bishop Granbery to assist Rev. M. Larkin on the Russellville Circuit, which position he held for two years, having been admitted on trial into the Southwest Missouri Conference in September, 1901. He next served the Glenstead Circuit, two years; Passaic Circuit, two years; and in the autumn of 1906 he was appointed to Montrose charge as successor to Rev. A. Patison. He has been successful as a minister and many have been won to a righteous life by his efforts as a servant of God. Brother McKnight is one of our choice men, and we bid him God-speed in his work.

Brother McKnight leaves to mourn his departure, his loving wife, Mrs. Viola McKnight of the home; three daughters, Mrs. M. K. Wherry (Viola "Frances") of McCroy, Mrs. Gladys Galloway of the home and Mrs. Mason Moudy (Virginia Lee) of Belleville; five sons, Rev. Melton McKnight of Enid Okla. John of Dallas, Texas, Woodrow of Little Rock, Wilson of Lonoke and Joseph of the U. S. Army in Trieste, Italy; 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, April 28, 1955, along with notes from "1806-1906. The centennial volume of Missouri Methodism".)

He was predeceased by sons Augusts "Gus" H McKnight (1903-1951), the Rev Paul James McKnight (1907-1950) of Nashville, TN, and Capt/Chaplain Thomas Eugene McKnight (-1945).