Harry Bradford Beatie was born May 13, 1891, the third son and fifth
child of John and Alice Hawes Beatie. As he grew older, his chores on the
ranch grew to match his ability. The children gathered acorns to feed hogs
and cared for various animals. All the boys were part of the baling crew
as they became large enough.
The rest of his education was gained in the one-room school about a
half mile down the road. He probably carried wood for the pot-bellied stove
and water for drinking as well as serving a stint as janitor.
Harry loved animals and wanted a horse of his own but realized that
was not in the family plans, so he left for Stockton a few years before
his mother moved the whole family down there. He found work with the Western
Pacific Railroad.
Harry served in World War I, then returned to his job. He met Naomi
Rule and married her August 16, 1919. They had three children:
- Barbara - b. July 4, 1921
m. Sylvester Ghilarducci - one son
- Robert - b. September 28, 1923
m. Doris Garvine - two children
- Marian - b. November 7, 1925
m. Joseph Blair - two sons
When Harry retired from Western Pacific Railroad, he and Naomi moved
to Manteca. They continued to visit with their many relatives most of whom
lived in the Stockton area. Naomi died November 13, 1963.
Before her death, Naomi had seen that her daughters went through the
chairs in the Rebecca Lodge and Harry continued active in the International
Order of Odd Fellows. He remained in their home in Manteca or traveled
with his older sister, Helen and often visited with other members of the
family. He died December 1, 1965.
Source: Shasta Historical Society
February 1996 |