After an illness extending through several weeks, the result of a paralytic stroke, following an attack of heart trouble, and of hemorrhage of the brain, with complications, Mrs. Henry Knecht died at 10 o'clock a.m. on last Sunday, July 1, 1920, at her home in Avilla-tp., ten miles south of this city. The stroke occurred about six weeks ago, when her entire right side became paralyzed. It was evident from the start that her condition was critical. The most that medical skill and loving hands could do proved unavailing, however. She lingered through the days of her severe sickness, conscious all of the time but unable to speak. To her, death came not unexpectedly, but as a relief from suffering and as the transition to a life immortal with God. Her faith in Christ as here savior had long been manifested in many ways, and in the hour of death there was perfect peace.Funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon from the
Antioch M. E. church and were in charge of Rev. A. Burrill of Wilmore, a former pastor, assisted by Rev. V. L. Darby, the present pastor. The church was crowded with neighbors and friends of the family and in every heart there was evidence of a feeling of real sorrow in the loss of so good a woman. Interment was in the Avilla cemetery.In the death of Mrs. Knecht, Comanche-co loses another pioneer - one who has lived here through all the years of the county's active history and who has taken part in the hardships incident to pioneer life. Mr. and Mrs. Knecht knew Comanche-co., almost from the very beginning. They settled ten miles south of Coldwater, and they continued to live, never giving up, no matter if times were hard and continues discouraging. They stayed with the country, and by industry and frugality they built up a model country home. Mrs. Knecht was known to a large circle of people in all parts of the county, and everywhere she was held in high esteem. In all her relations to the home and to those about her she manifested the true spirit of helpfulness and of christian service. She took part in all the worthy activities of the neighborhood and was always ready to do everything possible for the promotion of the happiness and comfort of her family and friends. There is not one in the entire neighborhood who will not feel keenly in her death the loss of a good friend.
Anna W. Darnell was born in Boone-co., Indiana, on August 19, 1859. The family moved from Indiana to Illinois, were they lived for a few years, and in the year 1875, they moved to Cowley-co., Kansas. In 1886 she came to Comanche-co., and here she met Henry Knecht, who two years before had come from Coldwater, Mich., and with whom, on August 26, 1890, in this city, she was united in marriage.
Mrs. Knecht united with the Christian church early in life but about 16 years ago became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which organization she continued to be identified. Throughout her life her constant aim appeared to be to add to the happiness of those about her, and in that aim she succeeded well. She was a homemaker in the truest and best sense of the word, yet her helpful activities extended to those outside her own home.
Mrs. Knecht is survived by her husband and two sons, Paul and Harry, all of whom live in Avilla-tp. Two sons died in infancy. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. S. C. Marvel, of Aurora, Nebr., and by five half brothers, as follows: A. T. Darnell of Cleburne, Texas, J. M. Darnell of Pauls Valley, Okla., T. A. Darnell of Hominy, Okla., E. E. Darnell of Lake City, Kans., and R. M. Darnell of Danby, Calif. Charley Darnell, a nephew, has made his home with the Knecht family since infancy. Another nephew, O. O. Darnell, also lives in this county. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all in this their hour of sorrow. But it is comforting to know that she who has gone on before, lived a worthy life and was in every way prepared to go. Mrs. Knecht's age at the time of her death was 60 years, 10 months and 23 days.
The Western Star, July 23, 1920. Mrs. S. C. Marvel and her daughter, Mrs. J. T. Garrett, returned the first of the week to their home in Aurora, Nebr. They were called to this county several weeks ago by the serious illness of Mrs. Marvel's sister, Mrs. Henry Knecht, whose death occurred on Sunday, July 11. Mrs. Marvel, Mrs. Garrett and Henry Knecht visited last Friday with Mrs. Emma Trummel of Powell-tp.
Also see:
Knecht Infant: Died of "bowel trouble" at the age of about four months; son of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Knecht. Obituary published in The Western Star, August 1, 1896.
Death List of Pioneer Settlers, 1898 to July 1923 Published in The Western Star, August 3, 1923.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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