Joseph Bethel
Joseph Bethel, dealer in stoves, tinware, etc., Kent, was born in England, February 23, 1827; son of Joseph and Sarah (Paylin) Bethel, who immigrated to America in 1828 and located in the State of New York but subsequently removed to Summit County, Ohio, where they lived and died. They had seven children: Joseph; Ann (Mrs. Alexander Ritchie); Mary (Mrs. Perry Prentiss); Cummings; Elizabeth (Mrs. Nighman); Julia (Mrs. Call), and Frederick. The subject of this sketch located in Franklin Mills (now Kent) in 1850, and embarked in the stove and house-furnishing business with L. C. Dodge & Co., of Ravenna. This partnership continued up to 1857, when they retired, Mr. Bethel succeeding to the business, in which he has continued up to the present time. He was married, May 22, 1850, to Clara Mills, of Cuyahoga Falls, by whom he has three children living: Louie P., Carrie (Mrs. Preston Spaulding) and Harry. Mr. Bethel is one of the live business men of Kent, and has served as a member of the Council two terms with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. In politics he is a Republican.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885