Obituary from Calhoun Chronicle, Grantsville, WV
William Knotts, father of Sheriff R.J. Knotts and an honored and respected citizen of Washington district, died at his home near Euclid early Monday morning from injuries sustained in an accident with which he met Friday. Mr. Knotts had ridden out on the farm to attend to a mare with a young colt. The mare saw him coming and charged at him kicking at the horse he was riding. His horse plunged to one side throwing Mr. Knotts and falling on him. He was able to walk to the house but his condition gradually became worse and suffered a great deal until death came to his relief.
"Uncle Billy" Knotts as he was respectfully called by those who knew him, was one of the county's most prominent citizens. He had been a resident of this county for more than a half century and on account of his manners of life he was greatly respected by his neighbors and friends. Honest and upright in all his dealings, God-fearing and law-abiding, he commanded the respect of every one who knew him. He was foremost in the organization and formation of Calhoun county out of Gilmer county and he watched and assisted in no small measure in the development. He and the late Ward Stalnaker were the first constables sworn into office in Calhoun county. Mr. Knotts was also an efficient member of the County Court for a term of six years from 1903 to 1909. He was not an office-seeker, yet took an active part in politics, being a Democrat of the old school.
Mr. Knotts was born in Meigs county, Ohio, December 19th, 1833, and was nearly eighty-two years of age. He was a son of Joseph and Mary Arnold Knotts, progenitors of a prominent family in this county. In 1857 he was married to Sarah J. Knotts, of Jackson county, and to this union were born fourteen children, ten of whom survive as follows: A.J. (Pet), of Spencer; W.H., Ivydale; Warren and Charles H., of Euclid; Robert J., of this place; Mrs. Josie McMillan, Euclid; Mrs. D.O. Chenoweth, Nicut; Mrs. Massolona Jones, Tulsa, Okla; Mrs. C.A. Witt, Minnora; and Mrs. Louisa Gibson of Gip. Twin boys died in infancy and two sons, John R. and Isaiah, died a few years ago in the West. His wife also survives at the age of 76 years. Sixty-one grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren are living as is one sister, Mrs. R.J. Chenoweth.Brief funeral services were conducted at the residence Tuesday by Rev. Harley Francis of the Baptist church, of which Mr. Knotts had been a devout and consistent member for more than forty years, and interment was made in the family cemetery in the presence of a large crowd, gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to a man greatly respected and admired by all his neighbors and acquaintances.