Book Synopsis
Raymond A. Bates was not famous, nor was he rich in the monetary sense. He was born and raised in the backwoods of rural Arkansas just before the dawn of the twentieth century. In his heart, he knew he would one day achieve the American Dream of having a wife and family to share the love he had to offer. He pursued this dream by traveling west to Oregon.
he trip would be costly. Not only would the train ticket require the equivalent of a month’s pay, but Raymond would be leaving behind the friends and family he had always known. If he left Arkansas, he might never see them again.
In the end, his wishes were fulfilled. He married, had a family, and eventually had nine grandchildren, all of whom remained close friends to this very day. He died shortly after spending his last Christmas with his entire family, not knowing his time here on this earth was days away. In the end, his American Dream did come true.
This is his story.
About The Author
Charles Ray Wilson was born in 1943 in Salem, Oregon. He is the sixth grandchild of Raymond and Naomi Bates. This is his second book after More than a Father, the biographical account of Charles Henry Wilson, published in 2018.
Ray’s interest in genealogy began many years ago and has led to several adventures as he has followed in his ancestors’ footsteps with his wife, Tina. Ray is retired and now lives in Chico, California.