Ray Knight (rodeo organizer)

Oscar Raymond Knight (8 April 1872 – 7 February 1947) was a prominent Latter-day Saint settler of what is today Southern Alberta. Knight instituted the Raymond Stampede, the oldest and longest-running rodeo in Canada and is considered the first rodeo stock contractor. Ray Knight and Ad Day formed the Knight and Day Stampede Company.[1]

For other people with the same name, see Raymond Knight (disambiguation).
Ray Knight
Born
Oscar Raymond Knight

8 April 1872
Payson, Utah Territory
Died7 February 1947(1947-02-07) (aged 74)
Raymond, Alberta, Canada
OccupationRancher
Spouse(s)
    Hannah Isabelle Smith
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1894; died 1906)​
      Charlotte Maud Heninger
      ​
      ​
      (m. 1907; his death 1947)​
      ChildrenUarda, Raymond, and Kenneth (first marriage); Owen, Wayne, Jesse, Charlotte, and Mary (second marriage)

      The son of mining magnate Jesse Knight and his wife Amanda, Knight was born in Payson, Utah Territory. After filling a full-time proselytizing mission in England for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Knight took an active part with his father in his various business undertakings. Notably, Knight was closely involved in the establishment and settlement of Raymond, Alberta, a town named in his honour by his father.[2]

      While living in Raymond, Knight managed his father's ranch, which consisted of approximately 400,000 acres (1,600 km2) of land stocked with over 15,000 head of cattle and 40,000 head of sheep. Knight held many honours and trophies for his skill in calf[3] and steer roping. In 1902, Knight organized the first Raymond Stampede, the first organized rodeo to be held in Canada. At the inaugural event, Knight himself took first prize in the steer roping competition.

      Knight was married to Isabelle Smith in 1894 and had three children from this marriage: Uarda, Raymond, and Kenneth. Knight had five other children from his second marriage to Charlotte Maud Heninger: Owen, Wayne, Jesse, Charlotte, and Mary.

      Honors

      Knight has been called the "Father of Canadian Stampedes", the "Father of Canadian Professional Rodeo" and the "Father of Canadian Calf Roping."

      References
      1. "Early Cowmen of Southeast Range". Lethbridge Herald, Golden Jubilee Edition. 11 July 1935. p. 63.
      2. "Davew Akers and Tom Purcell". Lethbridge Herald, Golden Jubilee Edition. 11 July 1935. p. 64.
      3. "Dan Riley was Good Cowman". Lethbridge Herald, Golden Jubilee Edition. 11 July 1935. p. 55.
      4. "1982". Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
      5. "Ray Knight". Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
      • Turner, Lawrence, ed. (1993). Raymond Remembered: Settlers, Sugars and Stampedes: A History of the Town and People of Raymond. Town of Raymond. ISBN 0-9697655-0-9.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
      • History of Raymond, Alberta from Town of Raymond website
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