Bethea

The Bethea history is something very dear to me. So much so, I decided to add it to my
website, which is all about me and my brand. Thanks to all my distant, and maybe not so
distant, cousins who have reached out to me on Facebook. It has been a touching
experience. One thing I recognized from the beginning is the love and unity that naturally
took place in our interactions. I have met so many Betheas there, and continue to get their
friend request until this day.

All my life people have always told me that my name was unique. I have had my name
mispronounced so many times, and said so many different ways. Sometimes I even
wonder if I even know the correct pronunciation.

With those experiences, I began to think I was unique. I didn't see or hear of people with
the name Bethea that often. I was named after my dad, my granddad, Ike Bethea Jr., was
named after his dad, and my granddad's twin brothers both of course were Betheas.

Outside of them, very few family members had the Bethea name. That was mainly do to
the number of girl siblings my granddad had, and the fact that his male siblings only had
girls. So basically, my granddad was the only one to have a boy, one boy. That boy just
happened to be my dad.

That is what led me to think I was the "Last of the Betheas." Well at least in my family
branch. It was always a big deal when I ran across another Bethea. It was like striking
gold. That's until I ran across the Facebook gold mine.

This seemed to be a common experience for most Betheas that I have met over the
years. Even those with large families have that feeling of uniqueness, and also that desire
to connect with others with the same last name.

I don't know much about my Bethea family beyond my great-granddad, Ike Bethea Sr.,
who resided in Louisville, GA. I do believe his family may have come from South Carolina.
It was told that he was a pastor and entrepreneur. Ironically, that's two of the things that I
have found common with most of the Betheas I have met.

From my research, it has become clear to me that a great majority of the Betheas reside
in the Carolinas, or North and South Carolina. I would say probably 90%. So I guess that
would be the best place to research Bethea history.

A good introductory site that is probably one of the most popular Bethea sites is
http://www.betheafamily.org/Welcome.html. It gives a somewhat extensive background of
Bethea history in America. It can be a good start.

Also, I have run across a forum that may be a good resource for communication. Go to
http://genforum.genealogy.com/bethea/.

Let's connect and take it to the next level. I believe deep down that we all have something
special. I don't know what, but just go with it and see. Some of us may be closer that we
realize.

I invite you all to further bring suggestions and information. I have no problem adding
helpful information. Feel free to stop by anytime, and if you desire, take the time to
migrate through my website. I have lots of information to share, and it would be a privilege
to share it with family members and friends that may have common interest.

I wish you all the best, and have a fulfilling day.