Jean Bartness, born November 19, 1900, in Ohio, was the daughter of Leslie and Bessie Bartness, and granddaughter of Tim Barham, a renowned U.S. Marshal in Medicine Lodge Country.
She spent her childhood living with her grandmother in Malden, Missouri, where she attended school. Her stepfather, Harry Clark, was the organizer and director of the Model Players stock company, which performed in various towns across Missouri.
Jean, an attractive blonde, joined the company and became the ingénue, performing in numerous plays. It was during this time that she met Don Carlos Harvey, who would later become her husband.
Don, a charismatic performer, was working as a host at an amateur night in Council Bluffs when Harry Clark spotted him and signed him up for the stock company. Jean and Don's on-stage chemistry was undeniable, and they eventually married on March 3, 1934.
The couple's wedding was a lively affair, with a group of Don's old school friends showing up unexpectedly to pay their respects. Jean was initially frightened, thinking they might cause trouble, but Don's brother intervened to calm the situation.
Despite the age difference between them, Jean and Don's marriage proved strong, with Don affectionately referring to her as "My Missouri bride." The couple eventually left Kansas and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where Don began working in radio, and later to Hollywood, California, where he started his career in motion pictures and television.
Jean began her professional acting career at the age of four and went on to appear in numerous films and television shows, including "Caged," "City of Fear," "Solid Gold Cadillac," "Women's Prison," "The Ten Commandments," and "The Werewolf."
She also worked extensively in television, appearing in shows such as "Dragnet," "Johnny Staccato," "McKenzie's Raiders," "Tales of the Texas Rangers," "Rescue 8," "Wyatt Earp," and "December Bride."
Jean and Don were both dedicated to their craft and were involved in various charitable endeavors, including supporting the Reiss-Davis Clinic for Child Guidance. They were also active members of the Little Country Church of Hollywood and the Roy Roger's Hollywood Christian Group.
Tragedy struck on April 24, 1963, when Don died suddenly at their Studio City apartment. Jean was devastated by the loss and never fully recovered, passing away on December 14, 1966, reportedly of a broken heart.
