Son of Albert Henry Beikman and Mary Elizabeth Haltom, Charles Beikman was born in 1935 (exact date unknown) in Indianapolis, IN. Little to no data on his childhood exists, yet given his inability to read and write, we can infer a modest upbringing, rooted in hard work and familial responsibility. A sense that was likely magnified at 25 when his then-girlfriend, later wife, Rebecca May, became pregnant with their first son Thomas, and then Ronald. The births of their children encouraged the couple’s subsequent wedding in August of 56′.
Their marriage, however, was short-lived, as after being elected into the newly established Peoples Temple,” Jim Jones – moved in and did what it did so well.” Leading Chuck to become angry and untrusting at the Peoples Temple, which ultimately resulted in the divorce of Rebbeca and Chuck. It was not until after a debate concerning his children moving to California with Jones and their mother, that Beikman reluctantly agreed to follow them- Remarrying Rebecca before moving to Guyana together.
In Guyana, Charles was responsible for clearing the jungle and making shoes, he used his knowledge as an ex-marine to navigate and work the jungle; quickly forming a trustworthy and dependable reputation. This reputation led him to the aid of Sharon Amos and her children who were fearful of police capture. As a result, Amos was intent on killing herself and her children as her only way out. Charles obliged and later pled guilty in Guyana, where he was “sentenced to prison for his role in the throat slashing of Sharon Amos and her children in Lamaha Gardens” (Reiterman, 1053). Five years later, in 1983 he was released and returned to America.
Charles survived Jonestown by chance- having left for Georgetown in seek of medical attention for a broken arm at the coincidental time of the suicides.
Tom, Charles’ son describes his father to have never fully recovered after returning home. Asserting that he “drank heavily” to avoid letting the thoughts of Jonestown consume him. He struggled to experience joy again but treasured his time with his grandkids. Charles Beikman died on January 29, 2001.
“Beikman Family Tree.” Alternative Considerations of Jonestown Peoples Temple, https://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=35710.
“Charles Edward Beikman.” WikiTree, 4 Sept. 2020, https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Beikman-3.
“The Jailhouse Letters of Chuck Beikman.” Alternative Considerations of Jonestown Peoples Temple, https://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=109714.
Reiterman, Tim. Raven: The Untold Story of the Rev. Jim Jones and His People. Dutton, 1982.
“Remembering the Beikman Family: My Mother, Father and Brother.” Alternative Considerations of Jonestown Peoples Temple, https://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=29251.
“Serial 1305-3.” Alternative Considerations of Jonestown Peoples Temple, 13 Dec. 1978, https://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=91812.
Wthr.com. “Jonestown Survivor Tells His Story after 30 Years.” Wthr.com, WTHR, 18 Nov. 2008, https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/jonestown-survivor-tells-his-story-after-30-years/531-aa4d25be-b27f-45dc-9de2-76fab2fefb41.