David James Getty was born on February 10, 1879 in County Antrim, Northern Ireland . He was the son of John, III and Margaret (Agnew) Getty.

On May 9, 1922, he married Arla R. Dabbdal in Blue Earth, Faribault County, Minnesota.

They had three children:

  1. Margaret Jeanie Getty (1923- )

  2. Ruth Arlene Getty (1925- )

  3. Elaine Joyce Getty (1926- )

David died on March 5, 1930 at the age of 51. After his death, Arla and the children moved to Texas.