Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Knox, William (1762-1831)

1447081Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 31 — Knox, William (1762-1831)1892Thomas Hamilton (1842-1926)

KNOX, WILLIAM (1762–1831), bishop of Derry, fourth son of Thomas, first Viscount Northland, a title now merged in the earldom of Ranfurly, was born 14 June 1762. At the age of about sixteen he entered Trinity College, Dublin, where in 1781 he graduated B.A. In 1786 he became rector of Pomeroy in the diocese of Armagh, after which he obtained the rectory of Callan in the diocese of Ossory, and became chaplain to the Irish House of Commons. On 21 Sept. 1794 he was consecrated bishop of Killaloe in St. Peter's Church, Dublin, by the Archbishop of Dublin, assisted by the Bishops of Limerick and Kilmore. In 1803 he was translated to the see of Derry, where he was enthroned on 9 Sept. of that year. During his tenure of this diocese he became widely known for his philanthropy and benevolence, and was held in high esteem by people of all denominations. He died in London on 10 July 1831. He published several sermons. Knox married in 1785 Anne, daughter of James Spencer, esq., by whom he had twelve children, eight daughters and four sons. His eldest son, James Spencer Knox, D.D., was father of Sir Thomas George Knox [q. v.] George, the third son (1799–1881), was lieutenant-colonel in the Coldstream guards.

[Cotton's Fasti; Burke's and Foster's Peerage.]

T. H.