William Knight was the nephew of Miss Kitty Knight. Miss Kitty was famous for saving the only house that was left standing in Fredericktown, Kent County, MD during the War of 1812 when the British burned both Georgetown and Fredericktown down to the ground. She was admired by George Washington and danced with Martin Van Buren. When she was older, she went to live with the Knights at "Essex Lodge" where she died. She is buried at Old Bohemia Catholic Church.