Knotts Family Genealogy & History

Don Knotts, born Jesse Donald Knotts, was a celebrated American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show," which earned him five Emmy Awards. His notable works include Ralph Furley on "Three's Company" and leading roles in films like "The Incredible Mr. Limpet" and "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken." Ranked among TV Guide's "50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time," Knotts' career began with his comedic performances in the military and later flourished on shows like Steve Allen's variety show.

Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, Knotts was the youngest of four sons to William Jesse Knotts and Elsie Luzetta Moore. His English paternal ancestors settled in Maryland in the 17th century. Knotts faced a challenging childhood due to his father's schizophrenia and alcoholism, leading to a tumultuous family environment. After his father's death when Knotts was 13, his mother raised him and his siblings in Morgantown.

Benny Richard Knotts, known as Ricky Knotts, was a prominent American ASA driver born on May 23, 1951, in Paw Paw, Michigan. Starting his racing career at 14, Knotts became a celebrated short-track racer, achieving victories in the American Speed Association events, including the Red Bud 300 at Anderson Speedway. Despite attempts in 1979, he did not qualify for the NASCAR Cup Series; his career tragically ended in a fatal crash at Daytona International Speedway in 1980. Knotts' legacy continues through his 2017 induction into the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame.

Ricky Knotts was married to Connie, and together they had three children: Jayson, Matthew, and Toysa. His father, Richard Knotts, served as his crew chief, supporting his racing endeavors. Knotts also had a sister named Deborah.

United States v. Knotts, 460 U.S. 276 (1983), is a landmark Supreme Court case addressing the use of electronic surveillance devices, specifically a beeper, by law enforcement. The Court ruled that tracking a vehicle using such devices on public roads does not violate the Fourth Amendment, as there is no expectation of privacy in public movements. This decision underscored that surveillance without a warrant is permissible when conducted in public spaces, highlighting key legal principles regarding privacy and search and seizure laws.

John M. "Jake" Knotts, Jr., a former Republican member of the South Carolina Senate, represented the 23rd District from 2002 to 2012. Previously, he served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1994 to 2002. Notably, Knotts was a vocal critic of Governor Mark Sanford and faced political fallout following controversial remarks in 2010. He was defeated in the 2012 general election by Katrina Shealy. Knotts' career also included service on several state senate committees, such as Agriculture and Natural Resources, Fish, Game and Forestry, and Judiciary.

Jake Knotts was born in December 1944 in West Columbia, South Carolina, to John Milton, Sr. and Dovereen Jessie (Williams) Knotts. Raised in a poverty-stricken family, he was known as Jakie Webster until age 12 when he learned his real name. Knotts married Betty Lee in 1965, and they have two children, Michelle Nicole and Tara Marie.