Catherine Ann Sheets (daughter of Andrew Sheets and Molly Shearer) was born Abt. 1795 in Ashe County, North Carolina, and died Aft. 1880 in Ashe County, North Carolina. She married Absolum Bowers in Never married.
Notes for Catherine Ann Sheets: From all reports, Caty Ann was a shy, but very pretty girl. She could have had her pick of any man in the area, but she chose Absolum Bower, a well to do miller in the area. Unfortunately for her, Absolum was married. Absolum was also attracted to her. They began seeing one another, which didn't sit too well with Caty Ann's father, Andrew who was a preacher in the Church of the Brethren. Caty Ann refused to stop seeing Absolum, so Andrew disowned her. So, Caty Ann began living in a cave, located along side Roan Creek just outside of Jefferson, Ashe County, NC. Absolum's wife, Susannah Koontz Bower, also knew of the affair, but he refused to stop seeing Caty Ann. Eventaully, Susannah simply accepted the situation. Caty Ann lived in the cave for at least 15 years and possibly as long as 18. During this time she had 9 children.
Caty Ann never married. Her children were all fathered by Absolum Bowers. Caty raised all of her children in a cave that measured 24x30 feet. She eventially built a house over top of the cave and worked at a nearby grist mill.
In 1880 Ashe Co. Federal Census, Katherine Ann is shown living with her daughter, Mary and son-in-law, J.B. Miller
Absolum Bowers fought in war of 1812 and was born April 01, 1786 in Ashe Co. NC, and died February 16, 1857 in Ashe Co. NC.
More About Catherine Ann Sheets and Absolum Bowers: Marriage: Never married.
Children of Catherine Ann Sheets and Absolum Bowers are:
John Sheets, b., Ashe County, North Carolina, d. date unknown.
Tip Sheets, b., Ashe County, North Carolina, d. date unknown.
Lucinda Sheets, b. 04 Nov 1821, Ashe County, North Carolina, d. 05 Mar 1897.
Catherine Ann Sheets (b. Abt. 1795, d. Aft. 1880)
Notes for Catherine Ann Sheets: