My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography from the book, History of Kentucky, Edition 7 by J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin and G. C. Kniffin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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W. E. BETHEL, of the firm of Bethel Bros., dealers in and shippers of oysters, fish, game and celery, Covington, Ky., was born near Fort Wayne, Ind., August 21, 1856. He is the third in a family of eight children born to Hillison and Martha (Townson) Bethel. Hillison Bethel was born in Ohio, February 11, 1826, a son of Ben. H. Bethel, a native of Culpeper County, Va. He married Martha Townson November 7, 1850; she is a native of Campbell County, Ky., was born December 18, 1832, and is a daughter of Larkin and Margaret (Bruce) Townson. Of the eight children born to Hillison Bethel and his wife four are living: Albert, W. E., Mary Jones and Hillison. W. E. Bethel went to Covington at the age of five years, where he has since resided with the exception of two or three years spent in Boone and Pendleton Counties. When about twelve years of age he commenced to stem tobacco, at which business he worked about two years; he then commenced to clean fish in the market in Covington at a salary of $3 per week; he remained three years, his salary being increased from time to time until he received $10 per week. He then started in the fish business with a capital of $25, and by hard work and economy he was able in 1874 to buy out the fish and oyster store of Stephenson & Williams, at 625 Madison Avenue, Covington. He now owns a store at No. 20 Broadway, Lexington, Ky., one at 360 Second Street, Louisville, Ky., one at 255 Central Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, and one on the northwest corner of Seventh and Madison Avenue, Covington, Ky. He was married, October 1, 1872, to Miss Bridget Ferrel, of Covington, daughter of Dan Ferrel. Seven children blessed this union, four of whom are living: William, Thomas, Ida and Arthur. Mrs. Bethel died December 7, 1886, a member of the Catholic Church. June 15, 1887, Mr. Bethel married Miss Tresey F. Gibbons, of Cincinnati, daughter of Thomas and Anna (Cole) Gibbons, natives of Ireland. Mrs. Bethel is a member of the Catholic Church, and Mr. Bethel is a Knight Templar.

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This family biography is one of 150 biographies included in the Kenton County, Kentucky section of the book, The History of Kentucky, Edition 7 published in 1887 by F. A. Battey Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: History of Kentucky, Edition 7

View additional Kenton County, Kentucky family biographies here: Kenton County, Kentucky Biographies

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