On July 22, 1858, one hundred and fifty-four years ago today, Betsy “Bettie” (Seely) Williams (1858-1947), my 3rd great grandmother, was born in Sparta, Monroe Co., Wisconsin, USA.
Bettie was the daughter of Boyd Ferguson Seely (1835-1909), a Civil War Veteran, and Rebecca Allen (1837-1923). In 1877, she married Patrick H. Williams (1854-1936) in Dunn Co., Wisconsin, USA. Following their marriage, Bettie and Patrick had seven children together, five of which lived to adulthood: George, Lillian, Mary (“Linnie”), Frank, and Leo. At some point between 1887 and 1891, Bettie and Patrick left Wisconsin for Oregon, settling in Portland. By 1900, Bettie and Patrick’s marriage ended in divorce.
By 1920, Bettie and her children founded Williams & Company, which made Williams Saratoga Chips. By the 1940’s, they had locations in Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. Her two sons, Frank and Leo ran the business, and more so as Bettie got older. The successfulness of the company enabled Bettie to enjoy a more affluent lifestyle than she had, owning homes in Portland and San Francisco. She died in 1947 at the age of 88 in Hillsboro, Washington Co, Oregon, USA.
The following are some photographs, advertisements, and potato chip bag, some with recipes, for Williams Saratoga Chips:
Bettie (Seely) Williams was the mother of Mary Magdelene “Linnie” Williams (1883-1968), who married William Phylitis Davis (1876-1960), my 2nd great grandfather. Linnie and William were the parents of Maxine Elizabeth Davis (1912-1992), who married Delmar Clair Kernan (1908-1979). Maxine and Delmar were the parents of my paternal grandfather, William G. Kernan (LIVING).
Among My Branches 