Thomas McKnight (Wisconsin pioneer)

Thomas McKnight was an American from Mineral Point, Wisconsin Territory who served in the 1st Wisconsin Territorial Assembly. He served in the House of Representatives (the lower house) at the same time as Thomas McKnight of Dubuque in the Iowa District was serving in the Council (the upper house).

Background

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McKnight came to Mineral Point before 1832.[1]

Public office

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In October 1836, McKnight was elected as one of seven members of the House of Representatives from Iowa County, which would hold three sessions between October 25, 1836 and June 25, 1838.[2] When Mineral Point was first chartered as a "borough" (as townships were then called) in 1837, McKnight was elected as its first President (equivalent to mayor).[3]

Forty-Niner

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In February 1851, McKnight was among the many people listed as having left Mineral Point for California during the California Gold Rush. His name was not among those marked as having already returned, or who had died, or both.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Crawford, George and Robert M., eds. Memoirs of Iowa County, Wisconsin: From the Earliest Historical Times Down to the Present Volume 1. Chicago: Northwestern Historical Association, 1913; p. 195
  2. ^ The legislative manual of the state of Wisconsin; comprising Jefferson's manual, rules, forms and laws, for the regulation of business; also, lists and tables for reference Ninth Annual Edition. Madison: Atwood and Rublee, State Printers, Journal Block, 1870; pp. 193-194
  3. ^ Crawford, George and Robert M., eds. Memoirs of Iowa County, Wisconsin: From the Earliest Historical Times Down to the Present Volume 1. Chicago: Northwestern Historical Association, 1913; pp. 195, 196
  4. ^ "Mineral Point Delegation to California", Wisconsin Tribune February 6, 1851; p. 2, col. 3 via Newspapers.com