Not often since the death of Mr Richard Barrow has there been such a wave of public sympathy in Staveley and district as was felt on it becoming known about four o clock on Tuesday last, that Mr William Knighton, the foundry manager of the Staveley Colan and Iron Company's works, had succumbed to a short but decisive illness. Mr Knighton for years has been in delicate health but the illness which has proved fatal was the result of a cold contracted whilst returning from the meeting of the Chesterfield Rural Sanitry Authority, on the 17th inst., but after a few days careful nursing and the care of two medical gentlemen, Dr Hale, and later Dr Bartholomew, Sheffield, Mr Knighton appeared to have passed the critical point and was thought to be on his way to convalescence. On enquiries being made on Tuesday morning it was stated that Mr Knighton was progressing favourably and symptoms of returning health were self evident. During the day, however, a sudden relapse set in and before his immediate friends and relations could be summoned to his bedside, he breathed his last. It is hardly possible to express the widespread regret that is manifest throughout Staveley and a very wide district where his geniality, kind-heartedness and generous purse have soothed many a troubled heart. To the demise of this gentleman there is left a vacancy that will not readily be filled. The last of his generous works was the arranging of a public tea for the widows of Barrow Hill, which, had Mr Knighton lived, would have been held this (Saturday) evening, but as the funeral takes place today (Saturday) at 1.30 it is improbable that such will be held. The deceased gentleman came to the Staveley Works about 42 years ago, and through his respect for his workmen and excellent business qualities he had gained the esteem of the whole of the employees under his care not one of whom [could] but express their highest sense of gratitude to their late respected master. Mr Knighton was sixty four years of age, and leaves to mourn his loss two sons and two daughters, Mr Joseph Godber Knighton, furnace manager New Works; Mr George Harry Knighton, manager Old Works; Mrs Gilroy, wife of Mr Gilroy, Liverpool and Miss [Harriott Alice] Knighton. The deceased gentleman for some years was a member of the Chesterfield Board of Guardians and was senior vice-chairman of that body.