Samuel Knight

Samuel Knight (February 10, 1731 – July 23, 1804) was a legal and political figure in Vermont during its period as an independent republic and the early years of its statehood. Among the offices in which he served were Associate Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court (1789 to 1791), and Chief Justice (1791-1793). Early life Knight was born in Woburn, Massachusetts on February 10, 1731 (Old Style), the son of John Knight and Abigail (Simonds) Hastings Knight. He was raised in Killingly, Connecticut and prepared for a legal career; although the exact circumstances of his education are not known, contemporary observers including Matthew Lyon stated that Knight's legal acumen and general knowledge were equal to or superior to those of most college graduates. Knight served in the Connecticut provincial troops during the French and Indian War; his name appears on the 1759 muster roll of the Windham County company commanded by David Holmes. His name also appears on the list of unit members who did not take part in the militia's expedition against the French Army at Lake George in June 1759, although the reason for his absence is not given. Move to Vermont In 1762, Knight moved to Brattleboro, Vermont, where he farmed. During Vermont's early years, jurisdiction was claimed by New Hampshire's colonial government, and prospective settlers and speculators purchased land grants from its Governor, Benning Wentworth. The government of New York later claimed jurisdiction, and was upheld by the British government. When the New York government attempted to make those who had bought grants from New Hampshire purchase confirmatory titles, most Vermonters refused to pay for the same land a second time. Instead they formed a militia, the Green Mountain Boys, which resisted efforts by New York to compel payment or evict those who had purchased their land from New Hampshire's governor. The Green Mountain Boys also punished anyone attempting to settle in Vermont after purchasing a grant from New York, and punished those Vermonters who were willing to pay for a confirmatory title from New York. In addition, they resisted anyone residing in Vermont who accepted a government appointment from New York's governor, knowing that these appointments would enable New York to assert jurisdiction over Vermont. Loyal to New York Knight served as Brattleboro's town clerk from 1773 to 1774.