William Knox (bishop)


The Rt Rev William Knox was Bishop of Killaloe and Kilfenora from 1794 to 1803 when he was translated to Derry.

Life

He was the fourth son of Thomas Knox, 1st Earl of Ranfurly. 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 September 1794 Knox 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 September of that year.
He died on 10 July 1831. He published sermons.

Family

Knox married in 1785 Anne, daughter of James Spencer, by whom he had twelve children, eight daughters and four sons. His eldest son, James Spencer Knox, D.D., was father of Thomas George Knox. George, the third son, was lieutenant-colonel in the Coldstream guards.