Bob,
You need to give us a bit more information. For example, the 1901 Irish census has 316 people named John Beatty (and variants) so without a bit more information we really can’t help you at all. The name is simply too common.
- When do you think he was born
- Where
- Who were his parents
- What denomination do you think he was
- What else do you know about him eg who did he marry, siblings where & when did he die?