White Pine news. [volume] (East Ely, Nev.) 1920-1923, 1922-04-23
||RAJ. M'KN|GHT, PIONEER
ANSWERS THE SUMMONS

| Ira ]. Mcknight, one of the most
active and highly esteemed men in
business and political affairs of this
county for half century, passed to
! his greater reward at his home on
Aultman street, in Ely, last Tuesday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, and by his
death the state of Nevada has lost
one more of the grand old pioneers
who blazed the trails through the
battleborn state and opened to the
world the roads to the precious met
ais as well as fertile valleys and rich
| grazing lands over which others have
travelled to untold wealth.
| Ira Mcknight was born in Sacra-
mento, Cal, June 2S. 1868, and at
the age of 8 years came to White
Pine county with his parents, set
tling ON the Shekels ranch at Illipah,
where he remained for approximately
twenty-five years, devoting his atten-
ton to the ranching and livestock
industry In the handling of cattle
he suffered an injury from which one
of his limbs was permanently Grip
pied and he then turned to the pro-
fession of harnessmaker. in which
he became an expert and his fame In
that line was widespread
In 1896 he engaged in business In
Cherry Creek when the lure OF gold
attracted staunch men from all four
corners of the earth to that historic
camp, where his energy, ability and
sterling qualities made him one of
the most spectacular figures and his
influence for the upbuilding of the
great state was there not only par
| ticularly noticeable but keenly felt.
The deceased was one of the first
TO see the great possibilities of the Ely
district and came here about twenty
three years ago when what Is now
the Broadway of the metropolis of
White Pine county was only 4 mere
trail
A typical western man. with a
heart of gold and a will like steel,
he would allow no obstacle to break
his tide. With his keen eyes always
steadfastly gazing upon possible ac-
complishments for the upbuilding of
the county and the good he might do
for generations to come, he identified
himself with the political as well as
business interests. In recognition OF
his ability and industry the late John
Sparks, while governor of Nevada,
appointed him county commissioner,
to which office he was subsequently
elected by the people and served
three terms. AT the time when death
claimd him he was a member of the
city council of Ely and in that bods
was regarded as a laos; ,eiuaoie
asset.
Upon hearing OF his death a life
long friend said of him: He was a
good citizen and his loss can never
be figured by the standard of money
A kind and loving husband, a true
and benevolent father, and one OF
Gods chosen men and endowed with
great gift. an undefinable something
with which the Master marks the
man.
Death was due to Bright's disease,
from which deceased had been a suf-
ferer for some time, but his great
will power did not let 1t interfere
with his business activities until
about two weeks ago. when 1t be-
came acute, and while his death came
as shock to the entire community
his medical adviser had early ac-
quainted those near him of his
critical condition
He is survived by wife and one
son, William Mcknight. former re-
corder and auditor of White Pine
county and now prominent attorney
of Reno. both of whom were at his
bedside during the last days which
closed his most active and useful
career.
Funeral services were held last
Thursday from Sacred Heart church,
in Ely, and were conducted by Rev.
James O'Grady, who in an able ser
mon eulogized the dead official, pay
ing a glowing tribute to his achieve
ments and offering tender words OF
consolation to the bereaved family.
The floral offerings which came
from legion of friends were not only
numerous but costly and beautiful.
During the service Mrs. Joseph
Russell sang Face to Face" and her
beautiful voice held the throng OF
mourners spellbound. while George
P. Armand in like manner rendered
abide With Me. At the closing
Mrs. Anthony Zurich and Mrs. JOS
eph Russell sang Nearer. My God.
to Thee" in which their magnificent
voices were at their best.
Interment was in the Ely cemetery
and as a token of respect to the de-
ceased all business houses and public
offices were closed during the funeral
nouf, WHiic tue lidb oh INC CitS fiah
was lowered to half mast under Or
ders issued by Mayor Gallagher.
The pallbearers selected to tenderly
convey the remains to their last rest
ing place were Mayor J. II. Gallagher.
Councilmen Ed Pursell and Joseph
Russell. City Marshal l.. e. Harris.
Deputy Marshal Charles Pedlar and
James McDonough.
The funeral cortege. composed of
sincere mourners, was perhaps the
largest ever witnessed in the city of
Ely
Weather Change Saves Sheepmen
Dan Saballa, prominent livestock