Claude and Bessie Beasley were inducted into the Clovis Chamber Hall of Fame in 1998. Claude arrived in Clovis at the age of 18 with his sister about 1908. Claude started working at Bell Ranch, a packing house and delivered items for the Good dry goods store. Claude found his true love though with the automobile and soon was washing cars, learned to be a mechanic and soon was selling Model T Fords for Mr Carl Smallen. It wasn't long until Claude opened his own business, the Overland Willys-Knight Agency and Garage. Claude also became an early day "hot rodder" by building a strip down Ford speedster racing late nights and always winning the race held annually on "Clovis Days"
Claude married Bessie DeGraw and both were soon very involved in Clovis activities. Claude was known for his honesty and when the Clovis City Treasurer was caught embezzling and committed suicide, Claude was selected to take the position for the rest of the term. It was felt his reputation would help restore the city's reputation.
Claude also was Director for The Clovis Chamber of Commerce, Manager of the "Old Time Dance" held on Clovis Days, and he and his wife bought shares in the original Clovis Horse Show and Festival Association. By the end of WWll Claude had sold his business and was raising cattle and horses by Clovis and Academy which he enjoyed the last 20 years of his life.
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