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It is perhaps the misfortune of the majority in the present House that
it has not a recognized leader. Among those whose judgment is consulted
and whose opinions are deferred to most frequently by their associates
no one approximates more nearly to leadership than the clear-headed, conscientious
and indefatigable member from Osage county. The general correctness
of his views, the untarnished honesty and integrity of his personal character,
his insinuating manners, and, withal, his familiarity with the business
of the body and the intricacies of the rules, gives him an influence and
power which is recognized alike by friend and foe. His advocacy of
any measure is little less than a guarantee of its success, while his opposition,
which is never the result of prejudice or traceable to personal motives
or interest, is almost a certain defeat. While a ready, pointed and
fluent speaker, he makes no effort, however, at oratory. In the subject
matter, rather than the manner of his delivery, lies the effectiveness
of what he has to say. The fact, also, that he never speaks for the
mere love or pride of speaking, but only when his convictions of duty impel
him to do so, secures for him the invariable attention of the body.
Mr. Knott is a native Missourian, having been born i St. Charles
county in 1836. He has resided at various times in St. Louis, Callaway
and Osage counties, finally settling in the latter county in 1856, in which
he has since continued to make his home, and where he is at present engaged
in manufacturing. Recognizing his superior qualifications, he was
chosen by his present constituency to represent them in the popular branch
of the Twenty-fifth Assembly, in which body his legislative experience
began. It was during the adjourned session of that Assembly that
the important measures looking to the political reinstatement of the disfranchised
classes in the State were carried through, and to no one of the minority
in that body was their success more attributable than to Mr. Knott.
During the same session, also, he rendered invaluable service on the special
committee to investigate the management of the Penitentiary, and was in
a large measure instrumental in bringing about the much-needed reforms
in that institution. Re-elected to the present House, he has labored
not more earnestly, though much more effectively, with the majority of
this body. Besides his untiring labors during session hours, he has
served as chairman of the important special committees on the Revenue,
on the Registration law and the committee to investigate the management
of the Lexington and St. Louis railroad, and has been a member of the Committees
on Printing and the Deaf and Dumb and Lunatic Asylums. Politically,
Mr. Knott is a Democrat, and will lose no fair opportunity to strengthen
his party in the State. In personal appearance he is rather under
the medium height, with a clear sharp black eye, a fine complexion and
a good head, which sets easily, almost jauntily, upon broad, spare shoulder
and a generally robust physique. |
