John L. Betzina, born in 1876 in Spillville, Iowa, came to Barnes County at the age of 23 with his parents, settling in the vicinity of Rogers. John's parents were Anton and Katherine Zeman Betzina. John's fondest memory was of listening to the famous composer, Anton Dvorsak, playing the organ in the village church.

Since John was of age, he homesteaded land adjacent to that of his parents. Here he erected a comfortable home and in 1904 he married Isabella Francis McFadgen, the youngest daughter of John and Elizabeth McFadgen. She was born in Gordonville, Ontario, Canada on August 6, 1879. She and her parents had immigrated to Barnes County in 1880 and after living in Valley City for a short time had moved to a farm in Stewart township. Here she grew to womanhood and taught school for several terms before her marriage.

Four children were born to this couple: Catherine, now Mrs. George F. Eidler; Mary, Mrs. Anthony Stefano (deceased); John Junior (deceased) and Ralph, now retired and living in Everett, Washington.

Mr. and Mrs. Eidler live in Chula Vista, California.

In 1914 the family moved to Valley City, where John was engaged in the men's clothing business for many years. Mrs. Isabella Francis Betzina passed away in 1936 and John passed away in 1946.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 29