KNIGHT, ROBERT HAYWOOD, now living on a portion of his father's homestead, is a recognized leader in agricultural matters in Cass County. He was born in Hickory Precinct, Sangamon bottom, this county, February 23, 1862, a son of Thomas and Emeline D. (Haywood) Knight, natives of England. Thomas Knight, the paternal grandfather, came to Cass County at an early day, settling in the Sangamon Valley where he owned a large property. Mrs. Knight came to Cass County alone. After their marriage, Thomas Knight and wife settled in the Sangamon bottom and there resided until Mr. Knight retired from active labor, when they went to Beardstown, and there he died in August, 1902, and she in February, 1913. Their children were as follows: May, who is deceased; Robert H.; Minnie, who is Mrs. Fay Post, of Beardstown; John A., who is of Beardstown; Myrtle C., who is Mrs. L. W. Berry; Harry, who is deceased; and Edwin S. and Lloyd, who are both of Beardstown.

Robert Haywood Knight attended the district schools and Brown's Business College, Jacksonville, during 1882-3. After his marriage he moved to a farm six miles southwest of Virginia in Monroe Precinct, comprising 170 acres then owned by his father, and he lived in a log cabin there until 1891, when he built a fine modern residence on a natural building site well supplied with forest trees. He does general farming and hog raising and has been very successful. He was later given a part of the home place, and has added to it until he has 270 acres in one place, and has also 100 acres in township 17, range 10, and operates all his land.

On February 26, 1885, Mr. Knight married Hannah Alethia Thevagt, born in Cass County, December 10, 1859, a daughter of Henry and Minnie (Engle) Thevagt, natives of Germany, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Knight have had the following children: Carroll T., who was born June 7, 1891; Orville H., who was born March 2, 1893, is of California; Russel B., who was born September 16, 1895; and Adah Elizabeth, who was born October 23, 1896. Mr. Knight belongs to Providence Presbyterian church and has served it as a trustee since 1902. He is a Democrat and has held public office, was road district clerk, and also has been a school director. He is a man of wide interests and is influential in his neighborhood, ever foresighted and progressive in his farm industries, and his success is well merited.