HARRY DEWEY

Sacramento County

Biographies

HARRY DEWEY

HARRY DEWEY.--Many life histories prove the fact it is under the pressure of necessity and the stimulus of adversity that the best and strongest in the individual are brought out and developed. The truth of this statement is forcibly illustrated in the career of Harry Dewey, whose early life was one of hardship and privation, but whose indomitable purpose and untiring effort have enabled him to rise superior to circumstances and take his place with the successful orchardists of Sacramento County.

Mr. Dewey is one of California’s native sons. He was born in Grass Valley, Nevada County, August 6, 1864, and at a very early age was left alone in the world, both parents passing away in the sixties. He was the eldest of three sons, and his early childhood was spent in the Protestant Orphans’ Home at Sacramento. When a mere lad he was taken from that institution by a pioneer rancher of Placer County, who compelled him to perform tasks far beyond his strength; and in consequence his boyhood was a period of hard and unremitting labor, devoid of every pleasure and pastime of youth. In such an environment he grew to manhood, and subsequently he worked at odd jobs in various parts of the county, accepting any employment that would afford him an honest livelihood. He carefully saved his earnings and at length acquired a capital sufficient to enable him to embark in business on his own account. In 1889 he went to Rocklin, Placer County, where he secured work in the quarries, but abandoned that position as he was unwilling to join the union which was then being formed, for he has never been in sympathy with the methods of organized labor.

In 1889 Mr. Dewey returned to Sacramento County and located on the Heintz farm, which he operated in partnership with Jacob Heintz until the latter’s death in 1896. After Mr. Heintz’s death he was associated in business with Mrs. Heintz until 1901, when he took over her interest in the ranch. For some years previous to the death of Mr. Heintz, Mr. Dewey engaged in farming on the San Juan grant, cultivating at times as many as 4,000 acres, on which they grew large quantities of wheat, barley and hay; and they also operated extensively on the Haggin grant, contributing in notable measure to the agricultural development of this region. He always has preferred the American type of worker, and was ever just, considerate and tactful in the treatment of his employes, who remained with him from season to season. Since the advent of land-colonization projects, the men who formerly operated large tracts of arid land have gradually withdrawn from this field, and of the 385-acre farm which Mr. Dewey originally owned he now has about 180 acres, having sold some 200 acres. This tract is now known as Citrus Heights No. 1, and seven ranches have been developed by irrigation and the planting of fruit trees. Mr. Dewey’s ranch, Oaklawn, is situated twelve miles northeast of Sacramento, in the San Juan belt. In 1912 he began his development work, setting out twenty-five acres to almond trees. By subsequent plantings he now has eighty acres under almond culture, and in blossom time his trees are a beautiful sight, giving promise of bountiful harvests. The marketing problem has been a difficult one for every grower, and since 1910 Mr. Dewey has given much time and thought to its solution, and since 1917 has been a director of the Fair Oaks and Orangevale Almond Association. He is now serving for the third term as president of the organization, which is connected with the State Exchange and is now operating a newly completed modern plant at Fair Oaks. He reads broadly and thinks deeply, and is well-informed on the subject of the cooperative marketing of farm produce.

Mr. Dewey has made business but one phase of his life, and his influence has been a dominant force in community progress and upbuilding. He is a stanch and sympathetic friend of children, whose welfare is close to his heart; and he has worked untiringly to promote educational standards and facilities. He has served as school trustee, and it was largely owing to his efforts that the San Juan High School was erected on the site most advantageous to all in the district. His political support is given to the Republican party, and at various times he has served on the county grand jury. He is prominent in local fraternal circles, being a charter member and past president of Roseville Aerie, No. 1582, of the Order of Eagles, and also an Elk and an Odd Fellow, belonging to Lodge No. 6 in the former organization and to Capital Lodge No. 87, in the latter. He is intensely loyal and patriotic, and at the time of the war against Germany gave liberally of his time and means to further the interests of his country.

In 1888 Mr. Dewey married Miss Bertha Heintz, a daughter of the late Jacob Heintz, and to her helpful cooperation, advice and sympathy he attributes much of his success. Four children blessed their union, but Letha L., the first-born, died in infancy. Harold J., the second in the family, married Miss Gladys Coppin, of Pleasant Grove, Sutter County, Cal., and they have a daughter, Ester Jane. In June, 1918, during the progress of the World War, he enlisted in the United States Army, joining Battery G, Second Heavy Artillery, and was honorably discharged at Fort McArthur, Los Angeles, on December 14, of that year. He is identified with Capital Lodge No. 87, I. O. O. F., and acts as manager of the orchard ranch at Oaklawn, having charge of the planting of new almond trees. Alta W., the next in order of birth, also resides at home. Joseph H. enlisted for military service in 1918 and was sent to the officers’ training school at Camp Fremont. He is now a salesman for a wholesale house in Sacramento. Mr. Dewey is modest and unassuming in manner, but public-spirited and progressive in thought and action. He has constructed his own success and the most envious could not grudge him his prosperity, so worthily has it been won, and so well used.

Transcribed by Priscilla Delventhal.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 625-626. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.