The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1909-04-23
WELL MERITED EULoeY
Martin, Fla, April 10, 1909

Mr.. William KnCblock, an old and
respected citizen of Marion county,
died at his residence at Martin Satur-
day afternoon. He was nearly eighty
years of age, and having lived in Flor
ida the greater part of his time he
was wise, and veritable history about
many of the most vital changes made
in the state during the past sixty
years. He often recounted the Incl
dents of early pioneer life, when the
bear, the deer, the panther and the
Indian held sway in many parts that
are now alive with a frugal and hap
by people. The now beautiful city of
Ocala was, he has C-ten said, in his
boyhood days, a forest dense, and the
retreat of wild birds and every varie-
~ of varment. AS a boy he drove OK
en- to Silver Springs and hauled flour
into the interior of the state. There
were no railroads in those days, and
he with other white settlers often
walked the lonely trails of the lurking
indians. not knowing when his and
their own scalps would adOrn the tro-
phy-belts of the chiefs
Besides having seen much of the in
dian life, Mr.. KnoblOck was in the
civil war, and followed the fortunes
of fair Florida during the reign of
shot and shell and through the days
that tried mems souls, and often he
faced the belching cannon, the rattle
of musketry and stood by the side OF
red death, believing that honor and
country made all his imperative duty.
Six weeks ago he contracted a Sc,
we're cold that brought about compli-
cations that weakened him daily till
the end came.
His life was one of great activity
and his vitality and energy seemed
more like the powers to be found in
a man of forty. His usefulness to his
section is unquesti0ned Formerly he
gave much time to agricultural pur-
suits. and once was a very successful
grower of citrus fruits. During the
past few years he has taken life COM
paratively easy. but was never con-
tent unless in profitable business of
some kind. At his death he owned a
well stocked mercantile establishment
and other profitable investments.
Mr.. Knoblock was a strong and or
iginal thinker and above all one of
the closest observers. He had high
ideals and his sense of honor was
characteristic. He lived up to the
high standards demanded by him of
nis fellows He was an exact man,
as one would find out by examining
his buildings, his fences. his store.
his properties of all kinds. and also
the promptness with which he settled
all his obligations These things have
been characteristic of the man
through the four generations be has
walked the path of life. Like Abou
Ben Adhem. may his tribe increase,
and may his name be cherished. The
expressions of all who knew him war
rant the statement that he was man
far above the average. faithful to
duty and true to every trust
He chose all along the great span
of his life safe ard honorable lines OF
duty, and has truly finished the jour
ney with well done" from all who
knew him.
Mrs. Knoblock, his widow, and Mrs.
Nora Slack. his daughter, survive
him. and have the sympathy of a
host of friends who feel the loss OF
one so much a protector, friend and
true gentleman.
Mr.. Knoblock left quite an estate
which goes to his immediate rela-
tives.
He was buried Sunday afternoon in
the family cemetery near Martin.
About the bier there gathered a large
.concOurse of men and women of both
races. who showed by their looks
that his departure was distinct loss
TO the section.