James Beattie was born in St. Mary's, Ontario, Canada on June 25, 1875. He passed away March 15, 1943.
In that dry year of 1900 he came to North Dakota and was so unhappy with the looks of the state that he longed to go back but when he did for a visit, he realized how much North Dakota meant to him. No matter what she later handed out, he was her staunchest supporter. He worked for his half brother, John Armstrong and for Donald Campbell before renting land from Albert Retzlaff, later the Alfred Retzlaff home.
In 1905 he was united in marriage to Anna Furaas. That was the year of the "big snow". The day before was a blizzard so when they got to Hannaford, they found that the train couldn't get through. They drove on the railroad track to Cooperstown all the time fearing that the train might have gotten through after all. O. B. Westley and his wife, Karen Herigstad, had taught in Bartley and invited them to be married at their home. This also made the day special! Many gifts sent from Viroqua, Wisconsin, Mrs. Beattie's hometown, including a sewing machine sent by her father, J. K. Furos, got only as far as Valley City. They arrived in Cooperstown the next spring. The year of the "big snow" indeed! In 1910 they returned to the Hannaford area moving to the Knute Furaas farm, a brother of Mrs. Beattie.
In 1914 he bought the Donald Campbell farm. Thus began a series of dire calamities, one of which was the cyclone of 1916. Nearly every building but the house was destroyed. That had burned the fall before and a new one was just completed. The Campbell school was completely destroyed - books all over the field. How grateful the parents were that the storm came early in the morning!
In 1942 James and his sons bought the Ole Fogderud farm. Arthur is still on the farm. He and his brother farm land together, but Wallace lives in Helena Township.
Arthur married Joyce Klubben. They together with their son, Curt, carry on in Bartley for the family. Lillian and Florence also live in Helena Township, Kenneth passed away in 1968, Belle lives at Dazey and Adeline at Binford.
Mrs. Beattie died very suddenly June 29, 1952.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 page 216