My 6th great-grandfather is Joseph Knight Sr. His history is woven in and out of the history of the LDS Church and closely follows that of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was there when Joseph's brother Alvin died, there when Joseph finally received the plates from the angel Moroni. He was there to bring provisions to Joseph and his young wife, Emma, as the Prophet translated the Book of Mormon. He was there when the church was founded. On that day, some were baptized into the church. Joseph said"I had thoughts to go forward". But he did not. He wanted to "examine" the Book of Mormon more closely. He regretted that he did not go forward that day But I should a felt better if I had gone forward". He and his family were baptized just a few months later in June.Joseph Knight was there when Joseph Smith was first accused and tried falsely. He followed him to Kirtland, Far West and Nauvoo. He died while crossing the plains, in Mt Pisgah, Iowa 1847.
Joseph Smith said of him: [He] was among the number of the first to administer to my necessities, while I was laboring in the commencement of the bringing forth of the work of the Lord, and of laying the foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For fifteen years he has been faithful and true, and even-handed and exemplary, and virtuous and kind, never deviating to the right hand or to the left. Behold he is a righteous man, may God Almighty lengthen out the old man's days; and may his trembling, tortured, and broken body be renewed, and in the vigor of health turn upon him if it be Thy will, consistently, O God; and it shall be said of him, by the sons of Zion, while there is one of them remaining, that this was a faithful man in Israel; therefore his name shall never be forgotten.
And he is not forgotten. As a daughter of Zion and Joseph's descendant, I proclaim that he was a righteous and faithful man. May many generations after me proclaim the same!!!
