A short biographical sketch found in Amherst County Historical Museum on Civil War veterns and was apparently written while most still alive. Robert M. Bethel- who was born in Amherst county, February 4, 1842, in his twentieth year answered the call of Virginia on her sons to defend the cause of their country. From July 1, 1861, till the close of the war he was a member of Kirkpatrick's Battery, which for a long period of its service supported Hays' Louisiana Brigade. He participated in the seven days fighting around Richmond, the battles of the Wilderness, Winchester, Cold Harbor, Frederick City (Maryland), Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and many others. Joel Bethel, who was born in Nelson county, Virginia, and died August 1, 1851, was the father of Robert M. and his mother, whose maiden name was Mildred A. Campbell, was born in Amherst county. In this county December 16, 1868, Izetta Turner became the wife of Robert M. Bethel, and to them have been given four children: Lelia F., born November 18, 1869; Cornelia J., February 4, 1875; Joel Marvin, June 28, 1879; John R., September 9, 1883. Izetta Turner was born in Amherst county, December 3, 1846, a daughter of John L. and Martha S. (Cox) Turner. Her father died July 16, 1865. Robert M. Bethel has a farming estate of 323 acres and his postoffice address is Amherst C.H., Amherst county, Virginia.