My Genealogy Hound

D. M. McKnight, M. D., is a druggist and physician of Magnolia, Ark., but was born in Middle Tennessee, being the eighth of eleven children born to the marriage of Elam and Creasey (Lane) McKnight, natives of Tennessee and Illinois, respectively. The father was a tanner and farmer by occupation, and prior to his marriage moved to Illinois, and was there married about 1825. He was sheriff of the county in which he resided in that State, but afterward moved back to his native State, and there passed from life in 1863 after a long, eventful and useful life. He was the owner of considerable property prior to the war, but lost heavily during that time. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, died in 1850, and Mr. McKnight afterward wedded Mrs. Collins, of Kentucky, by whom he became the father of two children. She passed from life in 1886, and of the eleven children born to Mr. McKnight and his first wife, eight are now living. One son was killed during the war and the rest, with the exception of Dr. McKnight, reside in Tennessee. The two half-brothers live near Bloomfield, Benton County, Ark. Dr. McKnight was educated in the old-time subscription schools, and at the age of twenty-eight years he came to Columbia County, Ark., residing afterward in Scott and Sebastian Counties, and while there began his medical studies under Dr. Davenport, this being in 1871-72. In 1873 he came to Columbia County, and has practiced medicine here ever since, and since 1880 has been a resident of the village. He first carried a line of general merchandise, in connection with his drugs, the name of the firm being Runyan & Co., until 1882, when the Doctor sold his interest and purchased the drug establishment of R. R. Sharman, of which he has since had control. He is the owner of four good farms in the county, and has some 200 acres under cultivation, improved with buildings of all kinds, and is the owner of a good residence in the town besides an excellent business house. He came to this county with only $50 in 1868, and what he now has, has been obtained through his own efforts. He was married in 1874 to Miss Mary E. Runyan, of this county, a daughter of William Runyan, and to them have been born six children: Willie M., Ola F., Eddie F., Lena F., George F., and Rosa M. (deceased). Mrs. McKnight was born in 1851, and she and the Doctor are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church. The latter belongs to the following social organizations: A. F. & A. M., Columbia Lodge No. 82; I. O. O. F., Magnolia Lodge No. 24; and the K. of P., Columbia Lodge No. 24. He is a citizen who extends a hearty welcome to all emigrants, regardless of their political views, and is thoroughly public spirited, and a liberal contributor of his means to enterprises of a public nature.