John Thomas Knight (1861-1959), born in Winnsboro, moved to Commerce in 1878. He married Ella Virginia Carter in 1893, and the couple raised nine children in their home on Mangum Street. John was a prominent civic and business leader. He was a member and president of the school board from 1900-36. With his brother, Thomas, he operated Knight Brothers Grocery. He was president of Farmers State Bank and director of First National Bank. John helped bring Mayo College (now Texas A&M University-Commerce) from Cooper. He was an extensive area land owner and owner and stockholder of local businesses. A member of the Masonic Lodge for 62 years, he also raised cattle and cotton. John and his family made many lasting contributions to their community.