died at age: 38
Born: abt. 1874 in: England
Died: 05 Mar 1912 in: Los Angeles, California
Ref. MCDonald Papers, GWEstey, MSEstey, 1910 census, Death records State
file #1038
Occupation: Machinist for Railroad
Wife: Bessie McDonald
died at age: 66
Born: 29 Apr 1884 in: Los Angeles, CA
Died: 19 May 1950 in: Pasadena, California
Ref: MCDonald papers Occupation: Homemaker/Boarder
Father:
Duncan Gray McDonald
Mother: Emily Alice Fisk
Ref. MCDonald papers, GWEstey, MSEstey
F Child 1
Violet Althea Dixon
died at age: 70
Born: 14 Jul 1908 in: Los Angeles, CA
Died: 8 Nov 1978 in:
M Child 2 Donald Roebuck Dixon
Born: 1910 in: Los Angeles, CA
Died: ca. 1975 in: Pasadena, CA
Ref: MCDonald papers Occupation: Automobile
Mechanic
Spouse: Elaine Loretta Horner
Little is known about Harry before he arrived in America from England. I have
some
reciepts from Masonic Lodges and railroad tickets (some of which are shown
below)
that give some idea of his travels before coming to Los Angeles and eventually
marrying Bessie McDonald.
Harry arrived in the United States some time before 1895 as he was a member of
the Shuniah Lodge, A.F.&A. M., No.287, G.R.C., Port Arthur Minn. by the 4th of
May 1895. I have copies of Shuniah Lodge Dues reciepts for 1895, 1896, 1901 and
1902. Other Masonic dues reciept for Tuscan Chapter F.A.M., Brampton, MN Feb.
14, 1899; Osman Temple of St Paul, Minn, Nobles of Mystic Shrine Feb. 19, 1902;
Wadena Chapter No. 66 Royal Arch Masons, Wadena, MN, Oct. 23, 1902; and Ascalon
Commandry No. 16, Knights Templar, Brainerd, MN, Feb 9, 1901 and Mar 20, 1902.
Railway reciepts for 1901 and 1902 show that Harry was employed as a General
Foreman for the Northern Pacific Railway.
What can be decerned from these papers is that Harry resided in or around
Wadena and Brainerd, Minnasota from 1895 to 1903. On November 17th of that
year he traveled to Chicago and then took a one way railway pass on The
Atchison Topica & Santa Fe Railway from Chicago to Albuiquerque, New Mexico.
I am not sure this is when Harry migrated west finally settling in Los Angeles,
CA
but it must have been about this time as Harry and Bessie were married about 2
1/2
years later.
Harry died when a steem locomotive exploded in a roundhouse. According to the
1910 census, Harry and Bessie owned the house and property free and clear.
The untimely death of Harry is said to be the result of an expolsion
deliberately set because Harry had crossed union picket lines.
After her husband's untimely death, Bessie took in boarders in the house and in
the appartment above the garage. This along with support from her
brothers, Harrison and Jack, she was able to remain at home and care for her
children.
Grandma Dixon came to our home to live with us in her last years. She had
cancer
of the asophigus and died soon after sergery to remove the growth. She was a
very loving grandmother and in many ways her teaching of the Bible Stories and
our shared prayers helped me in my faith in God. (George W. Estey)
