James Bothwell was born in eastern Canada in 1850. He migrated to an area south of Binford in 1884. Around 1900 he moved his family to Bartley Township. There he built a home and lived until 1930 when he passed away. He was always aware of the hospitable ways of the pioneer and no beggar ever failed to find food and shelter at his home.

His wife passed away 15 years earlier and a son Andrew died in 1927. His two other children, W. W. Bothwell and Mrs. Downe remained and lived at the home until Mrs. Downe moved to Cooperstown and Bill to Walum. Later he and his family moved to the Tacoma area. He passed away in 1941 leaving his wife Lillian, a daughter Joyce and a son Wayne. During the time of his illness he had to give up most activities, but he took up knitting and became well-known throughout the northwest for his work.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 217