My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography from the book, History of Kentucky, Edition 1 by J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin and G. C. Kniffin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Company in 1885.  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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JUDGE JAMES L. BETHSHARES, a native of Rutherford County, Tenn., was born in October, 1832, and is a son of William S. Bethshares and Martha L. Bethshares, nee Johnston, both parents being Virginians by birth, the mother still living and a resident of Paducah. The father died in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1848, and a few years later the family removed to west Tennessee, where in the Cageville Academy, James L. was chiefly educated, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. Since his admission to the bar, Judge Bethshares has devoted himself exclusively to his profession, for which he possesses a natural fitness. In 1882, he was the choice of the people of McCracken County for judge of the county courts, and is now occupying that office with credit to himself and acceptance to the people. He is an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He was married in February, 1870, to Miss Felicia A. Hand, daughter of Henry Hand, of Paducah, Ky. It is but justice to Judge Bethshares to say that he has risen to the position of professional honor as the result of his own native energy and perseverance. His gentlemanly and courteous treatment to all has surrounded him with a large circle of admiring friends.

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This family biography is one of 165 biographies included in the McCracken County, Kentucky section of the book, The History of Kentucky, Edition 1 published in 1885 by F. A. Battey Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: History of Kentucky, Edition 1

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

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