He Lived For Others
Inscription on the gravestone of Newton Knight
The Knight Family Cemetery, located deep within the Piney Woods just outside of Jones County, is the final resting place of Newton Knight, his beloved common-law wife, Rachel and other members of the Knight Family.
The secrets, legends and memories it holds have long been a mystery to most who call Jones County home. Now, you have the opportunity to tour this place that has been kept from view for over 100 years.
Click below to book your tour now.
On February 16, 1922, Newt Knight died of old age at the age of 92. In defiance of a state law which prohibited blacks and whites to be buried in the same cemetery, Newt was buried in a pine box beside Rachel on a high ridge overlooking his homestead.1
In the back of the cemetery there are some graves marked by piles of rocks. According to Knight family lore, these were the graves of children who died of typhoid fever as their families were traveling through the area in horse drawn wagons, and Newt permitted the children to be buried in his family cemetery.1
Some have even speculated that several Confederate soldiers, wounded and captured by the Knight Company and who ultimately died after failing to recover, occupy several of the graves in the Newt Knight Cemetery. These are known only to God.1