James Francis "Frank" Gatens

James Francis Gatens was my grandfather.  He was the son of James John Gatens and Mary Alena (Guilliams) Gatens.  He was born August 16, 1889 in Lincoln, Co., Oregon and died October 29, 1979 at the home of one of his daughters  in Wahkiakum, Co., Washington. He was buried at Fern Ridge Cemetery, Seal Rock, Oregon.   Frank Gatens was married three times.  He was first married to Agnes Elizabeth Cook b. March 25, 1893 Asotin Co., WA d. May 4, 1973 Waldport, Lincoln Co., OR buried at Fern Ridge Cemetery in Seal Rock, Lincoln Co., OR.  Together they had three children, two of whom are still living. Later he was married to a woman named Eva, but this was a short marriage. Later he and Lucy Antonette Slater had five children, four of whom are still living. In the late 1930s he moved to Washington State to go into business in the fish and oyster business.

Newport, Oregon Yaquina Bay News March 11, 1915

Francis Gatens and Arthur Bain left Friday morning for Scappoose, OR, where they will be employed in a logging camp.

Toledo,Oregon Lincoln County Leader Fri., Aug. 27, 1920

Russ Kent of Waldport was drowned off the Yaquina Bar Wednesday evening, Mr. Kent and Francis Gatens were engaged in the off shore fishing and it seems that Wednesday evening when coming in they had trouble with their engine.  Other boats coming in offered them a tow, but they declined the offer, thinking they would have their engine going alright in a few minutes.  The engine refused to start however and the boat drifted on the rocks, necessitating that Mr. Kent and Mr. Gatens swim for their lives. Mr. Kent had a son and daughter at Waldport, and was an Uncle of Mrs. R. P. Goin of this city.

More Photos: Frank and two of his children Frank and other family members Family at Frank Gatens' funeral