Catherine Ann "Katie" Sheets was born about 1795 in Laurel Springs, Ashe County, North Carolina to Andrew Sheets and Mary "Molly" Shearer.
"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 eventually 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. "
From https://www.genealogy.com/ftm/h/e/s/Tina-B-Hess/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0536.html
She was the partner (not married) of Absalom Bower. She was abandoned by her family for having an affair with Absalom. They had several children.
The children of Absalom Bower and Katie Sheets are:
1. Loucinda Sheets, b. November 4, 1821
2. Jacob Sheets, b. August 23, 1823
3. Sarah Sallie Bower, b. 1827
4. Mary Polly Sheets, b. December 24, 1829
5. Jordan Sheets, b. January 15, 1832
6. Nancy Sheets, b. February 23, 1833
7. John Sheets
8. Tip Sheets
9. Linville William Douglas Sheets, b. abt 1822
Katie lived in two different caves (for about 65 years) during her lifetime, the first located past Ebenezer Church on Highway 88 on Roans Creek and the other down Highway 88 on the New River. She died about 1880 in Laurel Springs, Ashe County, North Carolina and is buried in Ebenezer Cemetery. For the last 25 years of her life she lived with her daughter Mary Polly near Ebenezer Church.
Katie's father was the first generation to be born in America in his family. It has been said that her maternal grandmother was a Cherokee Indian.
Katie's grave was removed due to "it being out of line." The base of the original grave is still in place and according to sources, a new one will take its place.
Directions to "Caty's Cave:" Starting in Jefferson, NC go on NC 88 (towards Glendale Spring) for approx. 6 miles. Turn right on to Earl Sheets Rd. As soon as you turn on to Earl Sheets Rd., make a quick right on to a dirt road. There is a white house on a hill on the left. About 25 feet down this road, on the left is Caty's cave. The cave has fallen in, but you can still make out the entrance area.