Valentine M. Knight

Valentine M. Knight was born in Lucas, Iowa, October 23, 1861. There he grew to young manhood.

He was married to Miss Mary Dickerson October 21, 1880. To this union two daughters were born, Cora and Alta. After residing in a number or places in Iowa and Missouri the family came to Kellerton, Iowa in 1900, and for the past 30 years his residence in northwest Kellerton has been home to him.

Mr. Knight was a man of business industry and integrity, deeply devoted to his home and loved ones. By his jovial and friendly nature he has endeared  himself to a large circle of friends and neighbors. His civic interest and the confidence of the community in him was manifest in the fact that he served as mayor of the town of Kellerton for a number of years. For some years prior to 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Knight gave themselves unreservedly to the development of the church and congregation in the Mt. Zion community. He was a member of the Order of Odd Fellowship No. 425 of Kellerton and of the Rebekah order of the same place.

Though drawing near to the western horizon of his life, Mr. Knight took a great interest in life regardless of the fact that the last 12 years his health has not been all that he or his loved could wish it to be and then about seven weeks ago he was confined to his home and in spite of the fact that all that loving hands and medical skill could do for his recovery he continued to fail and finally answered the summons into the great beyond March 11, 1943, being a the age of 81 years, four months  and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife who departed this life September 24, 1924.

He leaves to mourn his departure his daughters, Cora at home and Mrs. Alta Cooke of Minneapolis, MN., and one granddaughter, Carolyn of Minneapolis, a number of nieces and nephews besides many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the home Saturday afternoon, March 13, 1943, by Rev. Z.M. Bressler. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hughes sang “Jesus Lover of My Soul” and “There’s a Land that is Fairer Than Day.” The pallbearers were Joe Scott, John White, W.W. Farmer, Harlod Pettis, Emory Doser and Roy Strode. Interment was in the Kellerton Cemetery.