John Knight "Sgt in Militia-Ensign-Constable"

John Knight, described in family material as a militia sergeant, ensign, and constable, was baptized 14 May 1626 in England and lived in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. He was Barbara’s 10th great-grandfather through Hannah Knight. He married Bathsheba Ingersoll and was reportedly the father of nine children.

John Knight was baptized on 14 May 1626, reportedly in Romsey, Hampshire, England. Family material identifies him as the son of John Knight and Elizabeth Vincent. His birth is variously given as May 1626 or about May 1626.

He married Bathsheba Ingersoll in 1647. Bathsheba is identified as the daughter of Richard Ingersoll and Agnes Langley in one account; another account names her parents as Anne and Richard Ingersoll. She was reportedly born about 1629 or 1630 in Bedfordshire, England.

John and Bathsheba lived in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. They reportedly had nine children: John, Joseph, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Hannah, Richard, Benjamin, and Isaac. Their daughters Mary and Hannah are included in the supplied family material; Hannah Knight is the ancestor in the stated line of descent.

Family Tree Maker notes state that John was made constable in 1654, served as a militia sergeant in 1666, became a selectman in 1668, and was an ensign in 1669. In 1663, the same notes state that Bathsheba testified against John’s uncle, Richard Knight, and Hugh March after they played cards at Richard Knight’s home. The notes describe card playing as contrary to the Puritan moral code.

John died in Newbury. The supplied material gives conflicting dates: 25 February 1677, 27 February 1677/8, and 7 February 1677. Bathsheba reportedly died in Newbury on 24 October 1705. John’s burial place is unknown.

Historical context

The supplied material places John Knight in Newbury, Massachusetts, where he was reportedly entrusted with local civic and militia responsibilities, including service as constable, selectman, sergeant, and ensign. The 1663 card-playing matter is presented in the family notes as reflecting Puritan-era moral expectations, though the underlying record is not identified in the supplied citations.

Sources & research

Original Family Tree Maker notes supplied for this profile, including citations [1], [2], and [3] for John Knight and Bathsheba Ingersoll’s vital and family information.

Original Family Tree Maker notes supplied for this profile, citation [4], for John Knight’s reported service as constable, selectman, militia sergeant, and ensign.

Original Family Tree Maker notes supplied for this profile, citation [5], for Bathsheba Knight’s reported 1663 testimony concerning Richard Knight and Hugh March.

The supplied material does not provide bibliographic details for citations [1] through [5].