William W. Knight (1852-1923)

William W. Knight (September 13, 1852 - December 4, 1923) was the senior medical advisor for the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, as well as medical examiner in town from 1890 to 1911.

Knight was born on September 13, 1852 in Chaplin, Connecticut to Rev. Merrick Knight and Abigail Ward. He graduated from the Williston Seminary in Easthampton, Massachusetts in 1872, removing to Hartford and studying medicine with Dr. Melancthon Storrs by 1873. In 1875, he was graduated from the medical department of the University of New York and studied as an intern in the Charity Hospital in 1876. In November of that year, he came to Hartford and began practice. On February 8, 1890, Knight was appointed medical examiner of West Hartford, succeeding Dr. Frederick S. Smith, who had removed to Chester.

While in town, he was appointed assistant medical advisor of the Connecticut General Life Insurance in 1899 and medical advisor in May 1900. He was president of the Hartford Medical Society in 1907 as well. He was a member of the Hartford Medical Society, of which he was secretary for a time; of the county medical society and of the Connecticut Medical Society. He was also a consulting physician and surgeon on the Hartford Hospital staff. In 1911, following the death of Dr. Horace S. Fuller, he was appointed medical examiner of Hartford, succeeded in town by Dr. Charles O. Purinton after his departure.

Knight held the office of Hartford medical examiner until he was succeeded by Dr. Philip D. Bunce. In November, he underwent two operations and on December 4, 1923, he succumbed to illness and died at the Hartford Hospital.