(IV) Herbert, son of William and Mary E. (Barnes) Beattie, was born on the family homestead in Ontario county, New York, March 23, 1866. For a time he attended the district school, but as the health of his father was impaired, he was frequently obliged to remain away from the school sessions, and take charge of the farm management, while still at a very early age. This interfered with the acquisition of knowledge from books, but he has overcome this difficulty in a great measure by his keen powers of observation, and the deep thought he has given to all matters of importance since his early youth. To a certain extent it was beneficial to him to be obliged to depend upon his own resources from earliest youth, as it strengthened his inventive faculties and executive ability, and this is, in a great measure, the foundation of his successful career as a farmer and fruit grower. The farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres, fourteen of which are devoted to orchard purposes, and the entire acreage is cultivated with the greatest care and in the most progressive manner. Modern methods are adopted wherever practicable and the results of this course have been most satisfactory. The dwelling house, which is commodious and comfortable, and all the outbuildings are kept in excellent condition, and it is one of the most productive farms of its size in the county. Like his father, he has been a staunch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and has served as town assessor for two terms. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Beattie married, September 27, 1893. Emma, born in Seneca county, New York, April 5. 1871, daughter of Matthew and Hannah Simpson. Children: Harold G., born March 27, 1896; Donald S., horn June 26, 1902; and Walter S., born February 17, 1907.