Andrew Betts and his two (2) wives named Catherine

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About Andrew Betts /Bates /Betz and Catherine Shibondi / Sherbondy

Catherine Sherbondy was originally thought to be the mother of Andrew’s children. However, the census records below and the church record of Catherine Sherbondy’s birth, found in 2006,
have proven otherwise. Here is a timeline of their lives, with document links attached.

View or Print the PDF Version Here, Andrew Betts Timeline

To see more information on this research, view the Andrew Betts Research memo

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Documentary Timeline

Andrew Betts’ Life

Catherine Sherbondy’s Life

1755

Andrew Beetz Born

Age 15 when Baptized in 1771
(age over 45 per 1800 census)
(age over 45 per 1810 census)

Abt 1774-76

Andres Betts Married

Wife born 1756-65 (age 26-44 per 1800
census, age over 45 per 1810 census)
This was Andrew’s first marriage.
Letters: Messler Hoffpauir

1777-1797

Andr Bez Children Born

Ten children born 1777-1797 in Manheim, Lancaster, PA. Wife’s name is “Catharina” in the Zion Evangelical Church Records

1784

Anna “Catherina” Cherpantier

born 9 May 1784 in Hamilton Twp, Northampton, PA.
German Church Birth Record
Transcribed birth records: Lesh Leiby

1798

Andrew Betts Purchased Land

In Crawford Co, PA

1800-1810

2 Catherines in 1800 and 1810 census

Catherine with husband Andrew
In the 1800 (Fayette Co) and 1810 (Crawford Co) census
See below right for the other Catherine

1800-1810

2 Catherines in 1800 and 1810 census

Catherine with brother Melcher In Westmoreland Co
Melcher per 1800 and 1810 census
See above left for the other Catherine.

1810-1815

Married Miss Shibondi

In the “dawn of the century”(quoted in 1899) View the Crawford Co History

1810-1815

Married Miss Shibondi

In the “dawn of the century”(quoted in 1899) View the Crawford Co History

1801-1822

Andrew Betts property records

Crawford County Tax Records

Mar 1820

Andrew and Catherine Betts Sold Land

Signed a deed for a Land Sale in Crawford Co., PA

May 1823

Andrew Betts Again Sold Land

No Signature for Catherine

1887

History of the Bates Family

In 1887, this 2-page leaflet was created for a 1000 person reunion. Andrew’s wife was mentioned but not named.

1999

Andrew and Catherine memorial

A memorial plaque was erected in 1999 (aprox 245 years after the birth of Andrew’s first wife). Catherine’s birth year and being a mother are incorrect because Ellis Higgins 1) did not know about Andrew’s 2 wives and 2) did not have information about Catherine Sherbondy’s birth records and the census records with her brother. This was confirmed in correspondence with the daughter of Ellis Higgins.

Life was tough in PA in this era. Catherine’s grandparents’ family was
attacked and some killed by Indians (see here). There was great
reluctance to leave populated areas. If Andrew’s first wife died, he
needed someone to help care for his children and she needed someone to
provide her a living. This marriage may have been out of necessity.

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View or Print the PDF Version Here, Andrew Betts Timeline

To see more information on this research, view the Andrew Betts Research memo

Sherbondy Family Association 2021

www.sherbondy.org