James A. Getty, Sr was born to John and Elizabeth "Eliza" Getty on June 19, 1810. I am not certain of his birthplace, but presume it was Craigs, although it could have been at his father's home in Ballynafie. It isn't certain as to what type of schooling was available in Ireland at that time, but it has been plain to see by James' writings that he was an educated man.

On June 17, 1831, James married Matilda M. McCaughey. Matilda was born July 2, 1813. Her father was Hugh McCaughey, a prosperous farmer and landowner in the Townland of Limnahary, Parish of Ahoghill. James and Mattie settled in the Parish of Craigs, in the Townland of Dreen, popularly called The Granagh (meaning "the rock"), an ancient name for part of Craigs.

Seven children were born to them in Ireland:

• William John, May 14, 1832;

• Nancy Ann, January 2, 1835;

• James, Jr., November 24, 1837;

• George Kilpatrick, September 21, 1840;

• Eliza Jane, October 26, 1843;

• Alexander C., February 16, 1846;

• Hugh McCaughey, October 6, 1849.

They had two more children in the United States:

• Peter McGinley, August 18, 1853; 

• Charles H., August 22, 1856

The earliest record we have of the James Getty family, other than baptisms, is the 1851 Census for Ahoghill Parish. Although they were living in the Townland of Dreen, for some reason part of Craigs Parish was included on the Ahoghill Census. This record shows James to be a linen weaver.

After reading further, you will note that James was apparently a tenant farmer, as well as a linen weaver in the linen mills.

On June 15, 1851, James wrote the following letter to Matilda from the Belfast Jail.

My Dear Matilda I received a letter this day at 2 o'clock and it informed me that you had offered Campbell the key but you had not the place cleared as you let me to know that Jenny McMullen and Sarah McGugan will leave it on Monday. I must now let you know, and I think I did so before now, that he could not be obliged to give a letter of release till all is removed. Had it not been for putting poor Jenny to still greater and perhaps webs in the loom, I would have given up at the time before the commissioner. But I certainly thought and still does think I cannot be held longer than the place is rid and possession given up. I can let Campbell know that he is under the rules of Court as well as I am, and although he is now come off victorious, his victory can only be attributed to his false swearing and bribing O’Rourke. I wish you to pay attention to what I say do go and when the Granagh is rid, again offer him the key in presence of a witness and if he refuses to give a letter of release to the governor of the Jail, you must get an affidavit by witness that you have done so, and send it to the governor enclosed in a letter. If you had showed my letter to William Stred or some intelligent person, I would have been home before this time. I send you enclosed a few lines that you may show Campbell, as he talks of me sending you a letter to authorize you to give up the Granagh and all appurtenances, houses and tools. I am only obligated by commissioner to give possession of two houses, for they swore they had possession of the land. Campbell first swore he had got possession of it himself, and then he swore it was Phillips got it for him. However, remove all as I directed you and have me as soon as possible on the way home, for I do much apprehend that you are poorly off in getting through. I have thought more long since the commission than I did in all eight weeks previous to that. I am much concerned about the trouble and expense you have been put to, but you must per­severe to the end according to my instructions. I trust my friend Reilly will get through his trouble. I never heard a more noble hearted fellow. In writing to me he says his small sum will never cost him a thought. I sometimes write a few verses when I am idle in order to amuse myself and I here send you a few addressed to yourself hoping to be soon home and to find you all in good health. I subscribe myself your affectionate husband. James Getty Belfast Jail June 15th 1851

As previously mentioned, James Getty and three of his children, as well as his younger brother, John, worked in the linen mill. In addition, he was a tenant farmer of an area which they spoke of as the "Granagh". It appears that there were at least two houses in the "Granagh" which he sublet. During this era the British government was seizing lands, and James was about to be evicted from the "Granagh". He was arrested and put in jail until he agreed to release his holdings to a Mr. Campbell, the new tenant who had been chosen by the crown.

A careful search by the Irish Genealogical Association was made of the Belfast Newsletter of 1851. Detailed accounts of all court hearings were given but no mention of James Getty was found. A & D O’Rourke were found to be solicitors (attorneys) in Ballymena. They, no doubt were the O’Rourke mentioned in James' letter. The association came to the following conclusion: "Apparently James Getty's case was not a criminal one, and was heard in a minor court. After the famine years of 1845 and 1847, many tenants fell behind with their rent and were either evicted by their land lord or had their belongings seized as payment, or both. From the letter it seems that James Getty had two subtenants, Jenny McMullen and Sarah McGugan. Obviously James felt he had a case against eviction and was trying to make an appeal against the court decision. Campbell was apparently to be the new tenant." No doubt James lost his case.

What actually transpired after James was released from jail is not known, but there seemed to be an apparent urgency for him to leave the country. He did not wait to get his affairs in order, but sailed on the first boat available to America. His oldest son, William, had already left Ireland in 1848 and, with glowing accounts of the riches to be made in America, he had been urging his father to pull up stakes and come here to start a new life.

Where Mattie and the children stayed for the next year isn't known. mother, Eliza, had died in 1848, but his father, John, was still living. had brothers and sisters in the Cullybackey area, and Matilda's parents, McCaugheys, were at Limnahary.

As soon as James arrived in New York, he made his way to Groveland, where a friend, Peter McGinley, had a small farm just outside of town. A year later he sent for his wife and children. William offered to go back to Ireland in order to escort the family to America. It was almost unthinkable for a woman with chil­dren to sail that long distance without a man, so William, who had a beard and looked older than his years, gave his age as 20 and posed as Matilda's husband.

They sailed on the William Rathbone, with I. W. Spencer as the master. It took approximately four weeks to make the long journey across the Atlantic. They endured a great deal of discomfort because there were only three cabins and they were forced to ride in steerage where the accommodations were inferior, to say the least. The icy winds of autumn rocked the boat unceasingly, but nevertheless they finally arrived at the Port of New York on October 2, 1852.

They remained at Groveland for two more years, and while they were living there, on August 18, 1853, their eighth child was born, Peter McGinley Getty, named for their friend and benefactor.

While at Groveland, James received a letter from a Joseph Anderson who lived at South River, Ontario. Joseph was probably a brother to William Anderson, who was James' brother in law. Joseph urged James to come to Ontario where land was cheap. This letter is on the following page. The Gettys had several friends and neighbors who had already emigrated to America and had purchased farms in the northeastern part of Ridgeway Township, Lenawee County, Michigan. This was a factor when making the final decision as to where to settle.

In late 1854 the family traveled by way of boat on Lake Erie to Toledo, then by horse and wagon to Ridgeway Township.

James bought his first land in America on November 9, 1854 a forty acre parcel in Section 36, Lenawee County. A typed copy of this deed appears on Page 40. 

South River 4 March 1854 Dear James Getty It gives me much pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23 ULT to hear that you have been favored with good health since you came to this country, and that your wife and family have arrived to you safe and in good health, while many of our countrymen have been doomed to a watery grave. When you view your circumstances and journings you will see ample grounds to say that goodness and mercy have hitherto followed you, and that your cup of blessings runneth over. I hope Mrs. Getty likes this country and although we all esteem the old country as the place which gave us birth, the very name of it will be ever dear to us, yet looking at all circumstances we have reason to be thankful that we are in America. I am glad to hear of your success and pros­perity in a pecuniary point of view. I hope you will be equally zealous with regard to spiritual things which alone can make you rich indeed. Please say to Mrs. Getty from me, Mrs. A. and family, that we would be truly glad to see you and her and family in Canada. Land I think is more easily purchased here than in the States. When I came first to this neighborhood I bought 100 acres of land at 4t dollars per acre also I bought 100 more long side of my first hun­dred at ten shillings per acre all pretty good land; but land is advancing fast in price here for I have 200 acres last year in addition to what I had and it cost me 2000 dollars; there were about 80 acres cleared upon it. We keep ten or twelve cows and eight or nine horses. I think I could buy land for you here at from 5 to ten dollars per acre. Come and see this country and if you like it as I think you will we will soon get you a farm. You would think yourself almost in the Granagh were you here. Robert Slick and family, Thomas Gilman and family who used to weave for Bob Speer, John Workman's family, Sam Hinting's two sons, John and James Johnston of the Craigs and Robert Millian with many others from our neighborhood are all here. I was sorry to hear of your father's death. It just reminds me of our savior’s admonition to his disciples be ye therefore also ready. Who of the family now live in the Granagh and are they all married. Mr. Johnston and family are well. He lives at Norval JO miles west of Toronto. We had a visit from his second son last fall. James his oldest son is thinking of going home to Glenhugh again in the spring. Mr. Johnston has accumulated a great deal of wealth. Our family consists of the Mrs., myself, five sons and one daughter. They are all at home but one. My third boy is in a home in the town of Kimptville. The price of labor is higher with you than with us. A servant boy will get from ten to 14 dollars per month, but as the consequence of 4 railroads in conjunction with us, I expect the price of labor will advance this summer. Mrs. Anderson and family all join with me in sending our best wishes to you, Mrs. Getty, and family. Please write often, James. Dear James with great respect. Joseph Anderson To Mr. James Getty Groveland, N. Y

Warranty Deed THIS INDENTURE made the ninth day of November in the year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four between Peter C Vandeventer and Mariah his wife of the Township of Ridgeway in the County of Lenawee & State of Michigan of the first part and James Getty of the Township of Groveland & County of Livingston and State of New York of the second part witnesseth that the said party of the first part in consideration of the sum of Four hun­dred dollars to them duly paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has sold and by these presents does grant and convey to the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns from all that tract or parcel of land situate in Twp of Macon, County of Lenawee, State of Michigan, S.E.1/2 of N.W.1/2 of Section #J6 in Twp. #5 South of Range 5 East containing 40 acres by the same more or less Peter C. Vandeventer To James Getty A true copy recorded December 2nd 1854 at 2 O’clock PM  H Eddy Deputy Register Witnesses Isaac Kniffen Sanford House, Justice of the Peace November 9, 1854 Signed Peter C Vandeventer Note: James' home, when he bought the above property, is Groveland, New York. These forty acres was directly behind the forty acres which we call the "homestead". It wasn't until ten years later, in 1864, that James bought the forty acres which did become his homestead, according to the date on the deed. However, it is believed that James' family 'lived on the homestead much earlier than 1864.

As mentioned before, there were several Irish families who had already settled in the area where James and his family bought their farm. They often got together to help one another as well as for social events.

James Getty may not have had any personal encounters with Indians, because, even though the Pottawatamies habitat was Soothe Michigan, they rarely put in an appearance in Lenawee County, especially as late as the 1850's.

However, arrowheads, stone tools and other artifacts were found which proved that at an earlier date they had camped in various places in Ridgeway and Macon Townships.

The first settlers saw the Indians quite frequently, but even in the early 1800's, the Pottawattamie had no permanent villages in Eastern Lenawee County. The big swamp harbored disease, and was infested with mosquitoes and snakes, but since all kinds of wild game were plentiful, they made occasional hunting trips to this area. These trips were usually made in dry weather when the swamp was dried up, and the In­dians set up their camps along the Macon River (Creek). At these times when the ground was dry, and the meadows were colorful with wild flowers, it was hard to believe that during the spring most of the land could be completely under water. A good example of these drastic changes was visible to all of us in this neighborhood just this past February when it rained for two days and melted all the snow. The ditches and creeks couldn't carry the water away fast enough, most of them were jammed with ice and snow, and a good share of the countryside looked like a lake for several days. A week later, after the water had drained away, it was hard to believe it ever happened.

When James Getty and his family arrived, the wilderness northeast of Brit­ton was already dotted with crude farm homes, many of the residents being Irish. Some land had been cleared, and ditches were being dug to drain the swamp. It was apparent to these courageous and industrious pioneers that once the land was drained, it would prove to be very fertile and productive.

Southeast of Britton, stretching to Deerfield, much of the land was covered with tall grass, rather than forest, and was for many decades called the "Prairie". From "Ben's Comers" (Holloway Road and N. Blissfield Hwy.) south past the German Lutheran Church, taking in all that area called "Dutch Town", it was also swamp  and since it was drained in the middle 1800's, and since then tiled, it has been known as some of the best farm land in Michigan.

Farming was back breaking work done by hand with crude tools. Some were fortunate enough to have a walking plow pulled by a team of horses. The fanner walked behind the plow, grasping the handles to keep it upright. Mud boats (fiat beds with large runners underneath) were used to haul stones out of the fields, firewood up to the house, etc. The main type of transportation was walking, horseback, or horse drawn wagon. It wasn't until a few years later that the buggy and the sleigh came into common use.

Logging was big business here, too, but didn't compare with Northern Michigan in the days of the lumber barons in the 1870's and 1880's. In order to farm, the land had to be cleared of the huge virgin timber. Many of these logs were used to build their log houses. Later on, sawmills were scattered throughout the area, and the felled trees provided the rafters, beams, joists and studs; even the roof boards, sheathing, siding and shingles for houses, barns, and other buildings, as well as providing firewood for fuel.

It was a rugged way of life, a constant struggle, but people were free. 

On February 16, 1858, James declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and he renounced forever all allegiance and fidelity to each and every foreign Prince, Potentate, State, or Sovereignty whatever, and particularly the Queen of Great Britain, of whom he was a subject.

James' naturalization covered the family, too, automatically making his wife and children citizens.