Person:John Bethel (1)

Biography

History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Missouri 1866 p. 265 John Bethel (Farmer, Section 15, Post-office, Kingston). Mr. Bethel was about two months past the age of 22 when is marriage to Miss Sharlie Duston, of this county, born in June 1859, occurred. Her father is Mr. J. H. Duston, an outline of whose life is given within these pages. Her mother was Miss Martha J. Hawks, of Indian and English birth, born in Tennessee in the year 1833. She removed to Missouri, and in the year 1852 married John H. Duston, and of this union there were born eight children, five of whom are living, the eldest daughter marrying John Bethel. The marriage was consummated October 1, 1878, and of this union three children have been born, C. Maud, Robert A. and Ugene L. Though now only a little over 30 years old Mr. Bethel has achieved a place among the agriculturists of this township by no means an inferior one, and one which many older in years and experience might well feel proud to occupy. He came originally from a state of progressive agriculturists, and was a descendent of a prominent and extensive farmer, Chapman Bethel, of Adams county, Ill., born December 1818, who until his death in January, 1865, was closely identified with the interests of that vicinity. He left a widow and a large family of ten children to be brought up; but how well the trust left to this noble woman was fulfilled is evident in looking upon those who have grown to manhood and womanhood. The maiden name of his wife was Miss Eliza Fetherngill, married in the year, 1840. She was a Kentuckian by nativity, and in 1866 she came to Caldwell county, Mo., and located where she now resides with her son--two miles from Kingston. She had to practice economy in rearing her young family; though by great judgment and capability she can now look back with pride on her success. John Bethel was born in Adams county, Ill., August 17, 1855, grew up upon the home farm, and now owns a good farm of 20 acres, which is being cultivated according to advanced ideas. He has thus far been very successful in life, and his outlook for the future is promising.