BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Page 498.

JAMES BETHEL, an extensive agriculturist of Flushing, is one of five living 
children who were born to William and Elizabeth Bethel. The children are: 
Susan, Jane, James, Sarah, now Mrs. Hall, and John A. William Bethel came 
from Stafford county, Va., in 1812; one of his brothers, Thomas, who fought 
in the war of 1812, settled with him in Belmont county. He worked hard all 
of his life, having cleared several farms, and died about 1865, after 
living a life of usefulness. James Bethel lived with his father until he 
was twenty-six years of age, being obliged to carry his part of the family 
burden. In 1846, he espoused Miss Caroline Bethel. He worked for others for 
three years before he bought a farm of his own, he then bought 118 acres of 
land, going into debt for the same. By hard work and the exercise of much 
energy, he has not only paid off the debt, but has added 166 acres to the 
original property, and has some money invested in other enterprises. He is 
a man who holds the confidence and esteem of his neighbors in an unusual 
degree. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bethel. Two sons 
reside in Flushing and are comfortably situated on their father's farm. 
Mrs. Bethel was a member of the Disciples church until her death, December 
11, 1883. She was a woman of many fine qualities, and her death caused much 
sorrow in her large circle of friends and acquaintances.