died at age: 38
Born: Jan 1868 in: Sheffield, Yorkshire, 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. 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 Boston on May 4th, 1893 via the ship "State of Maine" from
St John, NB, Canada. His occupation at the time was listed as Seaman. A gap
in his whereabouts is from when he arrived in Boston until May 4th 1895 . I
have some receipts 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 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 receipts for 1
895, 1896, 1901 and 1902. Other Masonic dues receipt 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 receipts for 1901 and 1902 show that Harry was employed as a General
Foreman for the Northern Pacific Railway. What can be discerned from these papers
is that Harry resided in or around Wadena and Brainerd, Minnesota 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 Topeka & Santa Fe Railway from Chicago to Albuquerque, 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 steam 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 explosion 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
apartment 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 esophagus and died soon after surgery 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)
