Harold William Wallace

Harold William Wallace

Harold in 1919

Harold William Wallace was born on November 5, 1912 in Ravenna, Buffalo County, Nebraska. His parents were Charles Russell Wallace (1889–1976) of Ravenna and Ida Ile Brown (1885–1988) of Adams County, Iowa. Harold had two siblings: Lee Jarald (1914–1945) and Berniece (1916–2000).

Although born in Nebraska, Harold moved with his family to Meridian, Idaho at an early age. The family's move took place sometime between late 1916 and late 1919. The January 1920 U.S. Federal Census stated Harold's father worked as a mechanic at an auto garage and the April 1930 U.S. Federal Census stated that he worked as a farm equipment salesman. Quoting Harold's August 22, 1985 letter to his cousins: "My father was rather forgetful of having a family, so it was up to mother and me to make a living."

Harold was known as an excellent athlete in wrestling and football. He had hopes of playing college football, but had to drop out of school during his senior year of high school to get a job in a local pool hall in order to "keep the family together."

1929-1930 MHS Football Team. Harold is the fourth player in the second row

Harold in Meridian

Harold married Betty Hartley on September 26, 1934 and they later had one son, Carl Lee Wallace (1934-1993). Harold stated that he never lived with the woman, but was persuaded to marry her since she was to have his child. Harold and Betty were not in love and Betty's family did not like the fact that Harold had impregnated her without being in a long term relationship. Based on these facts, before Carl was born, Harold moved to Boulder City, Nevada and was employed as a member of the construction crew for the "Boulder Dam" later to be known as the Hoover Dam. Harold first met his son when he surprisingly showed up at Harold's doorstep. Carl was 37 years old.

Sometime between 1935 and 1937, Harold was married for a second time. There is little information about this marriage other then what he wrote in 1985: "My second marriage was a mistake and I will not go into this other than to say she sued me for a divorce and all my property, which I was very glad to give to her in order to get rid of her."

Harold and Ruby in 1942

Harold was single for four years and told himself that if he ever found a good woman, he would marry her. In 1941 he met and fell in love with Guadalupe "Ruby" Lenore Partida Baez. Ruby was Texas-born and raised in California and Nevada. She had a twin brother and was adopted by her step-father Fransisco Baez, after her biological father passed away less than a year after she was born.

Harold and Ruby were married on May 30, 1942 in Las Vegas, Nevada, a short period after Harold was drafted into the U.S. Army. Years later in the 1950s, Harold and Ruby were married in the Catholic Church.

Harold stated that while in the Army he "got some bad shots" and tore some ligaments in his leg, both of which caused his discharge from service after a year. Harold's reaction to the shots caused permanent damage to his eyes. After his service in the Army, he worked as a fireman in Las Vegas, but eventually lost all vision in one eye and after three years had to leave his job. By 1949, Ruby and Harold decided to move to where Harold was raised in Idaho. Due to Harold's eye condition it was difficult for Harold to find labor in which he was accustomed. However, he was very grateful to find work with the Idaho Power Company as a janitor and after 25 years with the company, he retired as building maintenance foreman. In addition to his work with Idaho Power, Harold also worked at various other jobs, which was commonly known as moonlighting, to help provide for his family. Harold was known for a good sense of humor and was also quick with a joke. He enjoyed watching professional football on Sunday afternoons, either by himself or with his children.

A photo taken by Charles of his dad, brothers, and sister in 1957

Harold and Ruby were proud parents to eight children: Charles Raymond (b.1945), Robert Lee (b. 1949), Anthony Harold (b.1951), John Michael (b. 1953), Joseph William (b. 1954), Martha Nicole (b. 1956), Anne Marie (b. 1957), and Ida Louise (b. 1960). After nearly 48 years of marriage, Harold passed away at home with Ruby by his side on January 9, 1990. Harold was laid to rest in Boise, Idaho at Morris Hill Cemetery with many family and friends in attendance.

Harold William Wallace in his later years