J.M. Beatty Furniture was founded by Joseph Martin Beatty.

Joseph Beatty was in the eighth grade when his father passed away. Joseph dropped out of school to help support the family by selling merchandise door to door, traveling by horse and buggy.

Eventually after years of work, Joseph bought a building in Barkeyville. Joseph married Velma Kinder of Barkeyville and they had six children.

In 1914, Joseph moved to Eau Claire on Route 38. J.M. Beatty Merchandise was a hub of commerce for local farmers and businessmen.

J.M. Beatty Merchandise offered clothing, household items, toys, groceries, furniture, gas, and even automobiles.

The move proved to be a fruitful venture, and as the business grew, the siblings incorporated specific areas.

J.M. Beatty Automotive was owned and operated by Jim, Merle and Jean, J.M. Beatty Merchandise by Harry and Josephine, and J.M. Beatty Furniture by Cecil Beatty.

Joseph had dropped out of school at a young age and ironically his six children were all college graduates.

Cecil Beatty went all 12 grades of school without missing a day. He graduated from Grove City College and was a World War II Veteran.

Cecil had a strong work ethic and was an exceptional family man. He had two children, Kathy and Joe, grandson Chad, and great-grand children Jude and Claire Beatty.

Cecil worked six days a week at age 90.

Celebrating 100 years of business and five generations, J.M. Beatty Furniture is Butler County’s largest furniture store with name brands like La-Z-Boy, Lane, Broyhill, Bassett and Shaw flooring.

With over 70,000 square feet, J.M. Beatty Furniture stocks over 600 recliners, 400 sofas, and 60 sectionals. J.M Beatty Furniture has its own in-house flooring installers and has the areas largest selection of luxurious mattresses.

From a horse and buggy to a 70,000-square-foot facility, many customers have come through the doors over our 100 years.

J.M. Beatty Furniture would like to thank each one of our customers for their years of patronage.

This article was submitted by J.M. Beatty Furniture.