James Grant Getty, son of James, Jr. and Elizabeth (Willis) Getty, was born on August 7, 1870 at Torch Lake, Antrim County, Michigan.

At the age of 38, he married Ruth Young on June 23, 1909 in Central Lake. Ruth was listed has having been born in England in 1882.

1910 U.S. Census, James and Ruth were living in Clearwater in Kalkaska County and his mother, Elizabeth, age 64, was living with them. At that time, he was listed as a farmer.

1920 & 1930 U.S. Census listed his father's birthplace as "Irish Free State". James was living at 206 Eighth Street in Traverse City, Michigan. He was working as a real estate agent.

  1. Arbra Orlin Getty (February 4, 1911-1915)
  2. Stillborn Baby Girl (September 29, 1915)
  3. Stillborn Baby Boy (March 29, 1921)
  4. Gerald Alvin Getty (July 10, 1922-April 30, 1933)

James died on July 15, 1937 in Traverse City just shy of his 67th birthday and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Ruth died at the age of 75 years on September 19, 1956, in Traverse City.

 

The following was found in an old Kalkaska County Biographical book:

"JAMES GRANT GETTY. The subject of this review is a gentleman of high standing to whom has not been denied a fair measure of success. He is one of the representative citizens of Clearwater Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan, and has long been a recognized factor of importance in connection with the agricultural interests of the county, having been closely identified with the material growth and prosperity.

"James G. Getty was born in Central Lake township, Antrim county, on August 7, 1870 • His parents are James and Elizabeth (Willis) Getty, who now reside in Clearwater township, Kalkaska county. They are the parents of three children, the subject being the youngest. When James G. Getty was nine years of age his parents removed to Kalkaska, where they resided four years and then removed to their present home in section 32, Clearwater township. In consequence of these changes the subject's education was obtained in different public schools, but though in a measure interrupted, he acquired a good practical knowledge of the branches constituting the common school course. The home place comprises of one hundred and twenty seven acres, of which about sixty acres are improved and under the plow. Mr. Getty has given close and conscientious attention to the latest theories and practices applying to improved methods of agriculture, with the result that he has attained the maximum results from the labor expended. Thoughtful attention to details is as essential in soil cultivation as in any other line of activity.

"His highly cultivated fields and well kept fences and buildings show him to be a man of thrift and good judgment.

"In politics Mr. Getty is a strong and ardent Republican, taking a deep interest in the success of that party and in the spring election of 1905 he was elected to the office of supervisor of Clearwater township, which office he is now filling in an efficient and satisfactory manner. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry. Because of his genial disposition and sterling worth, he has gained and retains a host of warm personal friends."

"An trim hills an' the wet rain fallin',
Whiles ye are nearer than snow tops keen:
Dreams 0' the night an' a night wind call in What is the half 0' the world between?"

by Moira 0 'Neill