John A. Beatty was born in 1757 in County Donegal, Ireland and died Mar 26, 1823 in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio about the age of 66.

His first wife was Jane Banks, whom he married in 1782 near McAllisterville, Lost Creek Valley, in central Pennsylvania (afterwards formed as Cumberland County, and is now Juniata County). Jane Banks was the daughter of James Banks and Anna Small. She was born in 1760 and died in 1801 in Penn's Creek (now New Berlin) Pennsylvania about the age of 41.

His second wife was Elizabeth Margaret Gray, whom he married in 1802, following the death of his first wife. She was born in 1776 in Londonderry, Ireland and died on Nov 28, 1852 about the age of 76.

John Beatty immigrated to this country in 1758 with his parents and siblings. He may have served in Captain John Clarke's Company of the 3rd Battalion, Northumberland County Associators (Militia). He may also have served as a captain in Robinson's Rangers, and for a time acted as captain in another company of Rangers.

There were numerous John Beattys given credit for Revolutionary War service from Pennsylvania. One was a Colonel, born in MA in 1749, who married Mary Longstreet. Another was born in 1755 and received a soldier's pension from PA. He married Jane Lowry.

A John Sr. and a John Jr. were both privates, according to the DAR Patriot Index. The elder was born in 1730 in Ireland and married Catherine --. His son was born in 1755 in PA and married Anna --. One member of the SAR, Jerry J. Minnis, claims these two as his patriot ancestors. He claimed John, Sr. served as a lieutenant in the Fourth Company, Fifth Battalion of the Cumberland County Militia, the same service we claim for our John Beatty. Mr. Minnis states that this John was married to Catherine in 1752, and had as children James, Alexander, and John, Jr. He claimed John, Jr. also served in the Cumberland County Militia in the Sixth Class of new recruits in Capt James Young's company in 1779 of the Eighth Battalion. He also claims he was in the Sixth Class of the Eighth Company of the First Battalion. His children included William Beatty born in 1790, a David Beatty, and an Andrew Beatty.

There was a John Beatty, son of Alexander Beatty, who served in Captain Clark's Third Battalion in 1776, and also in Robinson's Rangers, who married an Elizabeth --. (The Alexander Beatty Family, by William G. Dewart, published in the Pennsylvania Minuteman magazine, Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Vol XV, Number 2, Fall, 1985)

There was a John Beatty who was a captain in the Fifth Battalion who had his own company in 1776-1777, and another John Beatty who was a major in the Fifth Regiment. DAR members 113407 and 132058 attempted to use this service to join under our John Beatty, but the service was disproved by the DAR.

Our John Beatty was credited for service as a lieutenant, Fourth Company, Fifth Battalion of the Cumberland County Militia. At least 18 DAR members claim our John as their patriot ancestor, as well as at least four SAR members. Their names and membership numbers are listed later in this biography. Documentation of our John's service is found in the History of Fayette County, Ohio, page 62, and the Pennsylvania Archives Fifth Series Vol VI, 1906, page 339. Our Lieutenant John Beatty received depreciation pay from the Cumberland County Militia (Pennsylvania Archives Fifth Series, Vol VI, page 279). (A Private John Beatty was listed just before his name.)

Some of the DAR applications over the years erroneously attributed our John (who had Jane Banks and Elizabeth Margaret Gray as wives) with other's service. For example:

DAR member numbers 76677, 83843, 99759, 104884: The DAR discounted the following service on these applications: "Private in Captain John Clark's Company, Fourth Battalion, Northumberland County Militia, 1776 - Philip Cole, Colonel" Allowed was this: "Cumberland County Militia, as sergeant under Capt Gilbert McCay and as lieutenant in Capt Mathew McCoy's Regiment" (Pennsylvania Archives Fifth Series Vol VIII, page 658). Page 612 of the Pennsylvania Archives Fifth Series Vol VI shows this service. An old typed history of the Beatty line found in our grandfather Francis Kerr's genealogical records also gave credit for this service.

He received pay for 21 days' service as a sergeant between Jul 18 and Aug 21, 1779, in Captain Gilbert McCay's Company of Volunteers belonging to Cumberland County, commanded by His Excellency Jos. Reed, according to Daughters of the American Revolution records.

John Beatty gained his commission on May 10, 1780, and served as a lieutenant under Captain Matthew McCoy in the Fourth Company, Fifth Battalion, County of Cumberland, Pennsylvania Militia. Lieutenant Colonel David Mitchel commanded the Fifth Battalion. Lieutenant John Beatty is also listed as one of the soldiers in the Cumberland County militia who received depreciation pay, according to cancelled certificates on file in the division of public records, Pennsylvania State Library.

According to the biography identified in the Introduction to the Beatty line, "Capt. John Beatty, our subject's grandfather, emigrated to America just before the War for Independence, settling not far from Lewistown, Pa. Commissioned a Captain in General Washington's army, he gallantly wielded a sword through the entire war, taking part in fourteen of the principal battles of that bloody conflict, as well as participating in many small engagements. He was twice married, and reared a large number of children."

He owned 270 acres of land in 1782 in Rye Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. According to an 1886 book by Everts, John Beatty and Jane Banks "moved to Penn's Creek, where New Berlin (Union County, Pennsylvania) now is . . . John Beatty subsequently moved to Ohio (Fairfield County) (between 1809 and 1815), where his descendants are a wealthy and influential people."

John Beatty was elected Supervisor of Buffaloe Township in 1789.

The 1800 census for Pennsylvania, Northumberland County, lists the John Beatty family.

On Aug 19, 1809, John and Elizabeth Beaty of East Buffaloe Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, deeded 143 acres in Buffaloe Township, Northumberland County to Peter Beaver. (Deed Book P, page 376)

On Aug 31, 1809, they deeded Lot Numbers 171 and 172 in Lewisburgh, in present-day Union County, to Caleb Fairchild. John's occupation was listed as farmer in this deed. (Deed Book Q, p. 239)

On Sep 14, 1809, John Beaty executed a Northumberland County general power of attorney to his brother Hugh Beaty, presumably so that Hugh could clear up John's business interests after John left the area. (Book T, page 462)

On Oct 5, 1809, John Baty of Fairfield County bought over 162 acres of land in Pleasant Township, Fairfield County, Ohio from John and Racheal Trimble of Fairfield County for $1120. The deed was received and recorded on Jan 17, 1810 in Fairfield County, Ohio. (Fairfield County, Ohio Deed Book G, pages 390-391)

The land was originally granted to John Trimble by the United States on Jul 3, 1807. A little over 122½ acres consisted of "The one a part of the west half of section number twenty five in township number fifteen of Range number eighteen."

A little over 40 acres consisted of "part of the west half of section thirty six in Township and range before mentioned which last half of said section was granted by the United States to Jacob Beery and by said Beery and wife conveyed in part as follows to the said Jobn Trimble. . . ."

Again, from the biography identified in the Introduction, "In 1809, accompanied by his family, Captain Beatty removed to Fairfield County, Ohio where he opened up a farm in the wilderness and endured all the hardships incident to life on the frontier. He died in Fairfield County in 1823."

A drawing of his home appears on page 42 of a Fairfield County, Ohio book. The caption under the picture states that the home is the residence of John A. Beatty. This is the only reference found indicating his middle initial. The A likely stands for Alexander, which was both his father's and second son's name.

In 1811, John Baity is listed as a trustee of the Tent Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Fairfield County. (Crossroads and Fence Corners, Vol II, page 226)

On Oct 25, 1819, John Beatey signed the following document:

"Two days after date I promise to pay or cause to be paid to William Brown Senior or Assigns the sum of eighty dollars in Silver for value received as witness my hand and seal this twentyfifth day of October One thousand eight hundred and nineteen." James Beaty attested to his signature.

In the 1820 census for Ohio, Fairfield County, Pleasant Township (Roll 87, printed page 90), the John Beaty family consisted of one male under 10 (Hugh 7), one male 10 and under 16 (John 10), one male 16 to 18 (Robert 17), two males 16 to 26 (Robert 17 and Alexander Nesbit 23), one male 45 and older (John), one female under 10 (Eleanor Gray 4), two females 10 and under 16 (Hannah 12 and Mary 14), two females 16 to 26 (Elizabeth 15 and Margaret 22) and one female 45 and older (Elizabeth Gray Banks 44).

On Mar 26, 1823, John Beatty died without a will.

On Jun 2, 1823, the following document was recorded in Fairfield County, Ohio:

"Know All Men By These Presents,

"That we, Elizabeth Bettey, Alexander Beattey, Sam.l Effinger & Jacob Busey of the county of Fairfield and state of Ohio, are held and firmly bound unto Teiuy. Sturgeon -Treasurer of said county and his succesor in office, for the time being, in the sum of two thousand two hundred dollars -lawful money, for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally by these presents. Signed and sealed this 2d day of June A. D. 1823.

"The Conditions of the above obligation are such, that if the above bound Elizabeth & Alexander shall well, truly, faithfully and impartially administer the goods, chattles, and personal estate of John Beattey - late of the county aforesaid, deceased, and do and perform all and every of the duties of administrators of and to the estate aforesaid, agreeabley to the laws and usages of the said state of Ohio, then the above obligation shall be void and of none effect, otherwise to be and remain in full force and virtue.

"In presence, (signed) Hugh Boyle Elizabeth Beaty, Alex Beaty, Saml. Effing, gacob bieri." (Fairfield County Probate Court Records, Case Number 412)

On June 4, 1823, the following document was recorded:

"The State of Ohio Fairfield County

"On the 4th day of June 1823 Jacob Lamb, Samuel Manly and Samuel Wills, appraisers of the estate of John Beaty, late of Pleasant Township in sd county deceased personally appeared before me Samuel Wills a justice of the peace in and for said County and were duly sworn according to law, well and truly to appraise all the goods chattels of the estate of the said John Beaty deceased which shall be presented to them for appraisment

"Given under my hand this 4th day of June 1823 (signed) Samuel Wills

"A true and correct inventory of the estate goods and chattels of John Beaty late of Pleasant Township Fairfield County deceased, presented to us the undersigned appraisers of the said estate, by Alexander and Elizabeth Beaty Administrators of said estate this 4th day of June 1823"

Ten pages of inventory followed, consisting of 209 line items, totalling $1249.39 3/4. The inventory was signed by the appraisers. An annotation at the bottom of the appraisal states:

"Property taken by Widdow at the appraisement as part of her share to the amount of $158.18 3/4."

Items in the inventory included 31 sheep at $1 each, one white cow at $8, one red cow and calf, $10, one black heifer wearing a bell, $8, three heifers three years old at $7 each, four steers four years old at $6 each, three other heifers, one bull, one mare, Nell, $50, one mare, Kate, $65, one mare, Sly, $50, one grey horse, $50, one horse, Coly, $25, one horse, Sam, $65, one horse, Draggon, $55, horse equipment, wagons, eight bearskin housens for $6, numerous pieces of farm equipment, fruit trees in a nursery, $3, a hundred bushels of wheat at 37½ cents each, fifty bushels of rye at 25 cents each, fifty bushels of oats at $9.37½, two candlesticks at $1.50, one bureau at $10,

"one looking glass at $1.50, one stand table at $1.50, one large foldleaf table at $7, one trunk at $2, one watch at $5, one small spinning wheel at 75 cents, four small spinning wheels, kitchen items, beds and bedding, dishes, one bible at 50 cents, Constitution of the apociate church at $1.50, spiritual song book at 37½ cents, The Christians Great Interest at 25 cents, another bible at 50 cents, McEwings Essays at 25 cents, Bostons Fourfold State at 25 cents, Nature etc. of indwelling sin at 31¼ cents, family bible at $2, small bible and testament @12½ cents, dictionary and arithmetic at 12½ cents, family instructor at 12½ cents, Kupels Sermons at 6¼ cents, An inquiry into the origins of our ideas at 50 cents, numerous sewing and weaving items, 18 hogs and four pigs at $16.50, six acres of rye at $2 per acre, 12 acres of wheat at $3 per acre, five acres of wheat at $3.50 per acre, and numerous other items.

Alexander Beaty and Elizabeth Beaty, as administrators, itemized the following account: The ainount of sale bill: $865.17, the amount left to widow at the appraised value: $320.38, amount received of Samuel Effinger being for balance on Bk stock, after deducting note in Bk, $112.00, John Turbett for rent, $28.36, John Creed, $43.12, amount of Bank dividents, $12.88.

Thirty-eight debtors were paid, for a total of $627.34, including the administrators of the estate in the amount of $77.35. Each debtor was shown, along with the amount paid.

A bill of sale dated June 27, 1823 listed four pages of items, showing the purchasers' names, property sold, and amount of sale. Beattys buying items included James P., Alexander, and Elizabeth. The total sale came to $843.33. Items sold after the sale came to $23.12, for a total of $866.45

In a lengthy document filed in Partition book I, 1812-1831, pages 449-454, it is recorded that John Beatty's land was sold, with details of the sale. The following list some of his children:

"That the said John Beaty left the following children his heirs at law: Anny Walker, Agniss Turbott, Jane Templeton, Margaret Ghormly, Robert Beaty a minor, Elizabeth Beaty minor, Mary Beaty minor, Hannah Beaty minor, John Beaty minor, Hugh Beaty minor, Elenor Beaty minor. . . ."

Another note in the estate file recorded taxes paid on John Beaty's land in 1824:

"Received of Alexander Beaty one of the administrators of the estate of John Beaty deceased $1.29½ cents tax on 160 acres . . . also 32½ cents on 40 acres, . . . 97¼ cents on 120 acres, . . . and 4 cents on 5 acres" for a total of $2.63¼.

Another note in the estate file: "Feby 19th 1825. Received of Alexander Beaty Administrator of his fathers estate four dollars and fifty cents in full for schooling minor children of his father in 1823 & 1824. $4.50"

Another note in the estate file: Received of Alexander Beaty one of the administrators of John Beaty deceased, three dollars and sixty two and a half cents, it being a ballance due on his subscription, for my support as Pastor of Rushcreek Congregation for the year ending Nov 15th, 1823. Lancaster August 23d. John Wright"

Some members of the Daughters of the American Revolution who claimed John Beatty as their ancestor, and their membership numbers, are:

Descended from John Beatty and Jane Banks:

- Mrs Alice Hooper White, 76677, through James Patton and Mary Jane
- Mrs Edith Harrah Philbrick, 80531, through Alexander Nesbit, James Elder, Jr., and Margaret E.
- Miss Hazel White, 83843, through James Patten and Mary Jane
- Mrs Mary Esther Beatty Ketchum, 87352, through Alexander Nesbit and John Patton
- Mrs Myrtle May Harrah Sickman, 98469, through Alexander Nesbit, John Patton, and Margaret
- Miss Frances White, 99759, through James Patten and Mary Jane
- Mrs Fannie Hooper Swallow, 104884, through James Patten and Mary Jane
- Mrs Sara G. Urquhart Murray, 115220, through Margaret
- Mrs Grace Westcott Black, 115502, through Alexander Nesbit and Nancy Emily
- Miss Effie May Rogers, 127006, through Alexander Nesbit and Elizabeth Jane
- Mrs Helen Eudelle Rogers Noftsger, 134870, through Alexander Nesbit and Elizabeth Jane
- Mrs Mollie Foncannon Hynds, 141320, through James Patten and Julia Sterritt
- Mrs. Jane Hamilton Bott, 453628, through Jane

Descended from John Beatty and Elizabeth Gray:

- Mrs Josephine Barnard Reichenback, 113406, through Eleanor
- Mrs Sina Barnard Edmondson, 132058, through Eleanor
- Miss Blanche Beatrice Beatty, 137693, through Robert and William Miner
- Miss Mary Lavenia Martin, 140185
- Mrs Lavenia Ware Sloane, 88672

Some members of the Sons of the American Revolution who claimed John Beatty as their ancestor, and their membership numbers, were:

- William Trimble Beatty, 20898, approved in 1909
- Leslie Craven, 28422, approved in 1916
- Harry Knox Ghormley, 31174, approved in 1919
- Larry Patrick Cornwell, 138085, approved in 2001

The children of John Beatty and Jane Banks were:

i Sarah Ann (Anny), b. Mar 15, 1787, m. David (James?) Walker, d. 1860
ii Nancy (Agniss), b. Mar 15, 1789, m. John Turbot, d. Dec, 1862
iii James Patten, b. Aug 27, 1791, m. Elizabeth Trimble in 1820, d. Aug 12, 1872
iv Jane, b. Dec 19, 1795, m. Robert Robinson Templeton on Nov 23, 1819, d. Oct 30, 1871
*v Alexander Nesbit, b. Mar 22, 1797, m. Margaret Crawford Ewing on Aug 24, 1824, d. Apr 12, 1878
vi Margaret, b. Oct 9, 1798, m. David Ghormley on Dec 25, 1825, d. May 12, 1856

The children of John Beatty and Elizabeth Margaret Gray were:

vii Robert, b. Aug 19, 1803, m. 1st, Mary McNaughten; 2nd, Jane Campbell Rankin on Nov 2, 1848; 3rd, Hannah Baldwin Dillon, d. Apr 30, 1872
viii Elizabeth, b. Feb 10, 1805, m. William (John?) Buchanan, d. Oct 2, 1854
ix Mary, b. Sep 18, 1806, m. Mathew Martin in 1828, d. Aug 18, 1894
x Hannah, b. Jul 10, 1808, m. William Logan Ghormley on Feb 8, 1837, d. Mar 6, 1898
xi John, b. Mar 22, 1810, m. Elizabeth Kerr, d. 1898
xii Hugh, b. Sep 1, 1813, m. Ruth Morrow, d. May 31, 1882
xiii Eleanor Gray, b. Jun 17, 1816, m. Joseph Stewart Shaw on Jan 8, 1836, d. Jan 29, 1905