In 1941, McKnight married Margaret Henderson. After his first marriage ended in divorce, McKnight married Gail Oliver Ehle in 1968. They had one child, Colby Augustus. This collection is comprised primarily of material created and received by McKnight as editor of The Observer and as president and project director for the American Society of Newspaper Editors. The papers offer brief documentation of McKnight's service with The Charlotte News and none during his association with The San Juan World Journal.
Personal material consists primarily of correspondence with family members.
Little documentation exists of his civic and community service activities, as well as his involvement in civil rights. Primarily correspondence and reports from employees, Knight-Ridder executives, and readers. Hoke opened the first abortion clinic in Charlotte in 1973. Portrays conflicts with McKnight over politics, race relations, and advertising. McKnight served on the board of directors.