21 Mar 1930 Record Courier

Judge L.S. Ezell, Pioneer of This Valley, Dies in Oregon


Was Commissioner and Justice of Peace In Early Days of This County:

L.S. Ezell, a pioneer settler of Carson Valley, and who moved to Klammath Falls (sic), Oregon twenty-one years ago passed away at that place last Friday afternoon at the age of 94 years. A short time ago Mr. Ezell sustained injuries when he fell, and owning to his advanced age lacked the strength to combat the injury.

Born in Kentucky in 1836, Mr. Ezell journeyed westward with a covered wagon train in 1859. In company of Mr. McKisck he wintered a band of cattle in Honey Lake Valley and the following spring moved them to the meadows where Reno now stands and sold the animals. The Comstock mines had been discovered and Mr. Ezell worked in the mines and mills for some time and then located in Carson Valley and engaged in farming. When Gardnewrville was established, all of the eastside of Main Street comprised a portion of his farm. He donated the lot upon which the Methodist church stands and from where his funeral was held Wednesday.

Some twenty-one years ago he sold his holdings to A. Jensen and with his sons went to Klammath Falls (sic), Oregon, and bought a large tract of farm land, and made his home that locality since that time.

The remains were shipped to Gardnerville, arriving here Wednesday forenoon and during the afternoon of the same day funeral services were held at the Methodist Church, Rev Henry James officiating. Many former friends and acquaintances in this locality attended the funeral of the highly esteemed citizen. Interment took place at the Gardne (sic) Cemetery and deceased was laid to rest by the side of his wife who proceeded him death (sic) many years ago.

During his long residence in Carson Valley, Mr. Ezell was prominently identified in all progressive advancement. In the early eighties he served on the board of county commissioners and for twenty years was the Justice of the Peace of East Fork Township. He also served for many years as a member of the Republican County Central Committee.

He is survived by four sons, W. C. Ezell, Laurence Ezell, Frances Ezell and James Ezell, the latter being a graduate of the University of Nevada, and excepting the former, the sons accompanied the remanis (sic from Oregon to attend the funeral here. Mrs. Huff, sister of the deceased was here from Fallon to attend the funeral. She stated thet (sic) her brother was the third child in a family of fifteen children and with exception of one, all brothers and sisters lived to reach manhood and womanhood. Although she was but five years of age when her brother joined the covered wagon train she clearly remembers him dismounting from his horse, taking her in his arms to kiss her goodbye as he left on the perilous journey across the plains.