Samuel G. McKnight, one of the leading and influential farmers of Spring Creek township, was born near Sidney, in Shelby county, Ohio, September 29, 1848, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the state. His father, Joseph McKnight, was born near Newville, Pennsylvania, and with his mother and her family came to Miami county, a location being made near Piqua upon rented land. Subsequently he removed to Shelby county and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, there developing the farm upon which occurred the birth of our subject. In October, 1867, the family removed to the farm upon which Samuel McKnight resides, and there the father spent his remaining days, his death occurring on the 9th of February, 1875, when he had attained the age of seventy-three years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Wiley, and of their union seven children were born, but the eldest died in infancy. The others are Sarah J., Mary A., William J., Margaret B., Maria L. and Samuel G.

Under the parental roof Samuel G. McKnight was reared. He remained with his father until the latter's death and then took charge of the home farm, continuing to care for his mother until she, too, passed away, in October, 1887, at the age of eighty-four years. He now owns eighty acres of land on section 10, Spring Creek township, on the Piqua and Plattsville pike, four and a half miles from the city of Piqua. He also has another farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, and devotes his time to the cultivation of grain and the raising of live stock. His methods are practical and progressive, and his thorough understanding of the scientific principles which underlie farming has made him prosperous in his undertakings. He became one of the organizers of the Miami Grange, and since its establishment has served as its secretary. He believes in investigating all ideas that are advanced concerning farming and adopting those which are calculated to prove of practical benefit. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the Prohibition party, and is ever earnest in his advocacy of that political organization. He belongs to the United Presbyterian church and is a member of the session. Such is the record of one who has long been a resident of Miami; county and has at all times enjoyed the merited confidence and regard of his fellow men.