James A. Getty, Sr. was born June 19, 1810 in the Township of Limnahary, Parish of Ahoghill, in what is now Northern Ireland. His parents were John, Sr. and Elizabeth Getty.

He was married to Matilda M. McCaughey who was born on July 2, 1813.

They had nine children.

  1. William John Getty (Born: 14 May 1832 d: 22 Feb 1902)
  2. Nancy Ann Getty (Born: 02 Jan 1835 d: 17 May 1905)
  3. James Getty Born: (24 Nov 1837 d: 08 Jul 1906)
  4. George Kilpatrick Getty (Born: 21 Sep 1840 d: 01 Mar 1907)
  5. Eliza Jane Getty (Born: 26 Oct 1843 d: 23 Aug 1881)
  6. Alexander C. Getty (Born: 16 Feb 1846 d: 05 Nov 1864)
  7. Hugh McCaughey Getty (Born: 06 Oct 1849 d: 30 Oct 1870)
  8. Peter McGinley Getty (Born: 18 Aug 1853 d: 01 Jul 1919)
  9. Charles H. Getty (Born: 22 Aug 1856 d: 29 Jan 1925)

James died on November 23, 1880.  Matilda preceded him in death on October 27, 1871.