Palestine in Anderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Robert (Bob) Knight

Photographed by Brian Anderson, January 19, 2019

1. Robert (Bob) Knight Marker

Inscription. As a coach of athletics and a youth mentor, Robert (Bob) Knight positively influenced the lives of countless Palestine citizens. He was born in Iredell (Bosque County) in 1909, the last of eight children of William and Missouri Jane (Hand) Knight. His mother died when he was three, and his father, unable to provide for his children, admitted them to the state orphans home at Corsicana. At the state school, Bob exhibited leadership qualities as class president and captain of the basketball and football teams. His academic and athletic training continued at Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, where he helped the 1930 football team win the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championship with an undefeated record. While at Sam Houston State Knight met Wilda Virginia West, whom he later married.

In 1937 Knight began his career in the Palestine schools, coaching basketball, volleyball and physical education classes at the Junior High School. He also organized the summer baseball league and worked at the Y.M.C.A. During World War II, Knight was assigned to physical training of Naval personnel at Norfolk,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Virginia, teaching them to swim. He returned to Palestine and continued to coach and teach for another three decades. Many of his students who excelled in athletics and other fields credited their success to Coach Knight's encouragement and devotion to young people. One of his many honors stated "An orphan in this world, he gives his life to others and his courage, character and honor blesses them also." Knight retired from the Palestine school system in 1974. He died in 1989 and is buried beside his wife Wilda at Palestine's Roselawn Park.

Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15921.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports.

Location. 31° 45.494′ N, 95° 37.651′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. It is on South Micheaux Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 South Micheaux Street, Palestine TX 75801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North

Photographed by Brian Anderson, January 19, 2019

2. Robert (Bob) Knight Marker

Markers visible in the photo from left to right: Dr. Bonner Frizzell (facing away), Roy B. Wallace (facing forward), Robert (Bob) Knight (facing away), and Palestine High School (facing sideways).

America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dr. Bonner Frizzell (here, next to this marker); Palestine High School (here, next to this marker); Roy B. Wallace (here, next to this marker); John H. Reagan (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); John H. Reagan Monument (about 700 feet away); First Methodist Church of Palestine (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pennybacker-Campbell-Wommack House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Home of Congressman and Mrs. Alexander W. Gregg (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2019, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 577 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 22, 2019, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.