Matthew M. Betts (1796-1853)

Matthew H. Betts (1796-1853) Boat Pilot who was Lost at Sea aboard the "Commerce" (b. 1796; England - d. January 12, 1853, Lost at sea, Egg Harbor, Atlantic County, New Jersey, USA)

Marriage
He married Nancy X (1801-?) of New York.

Children

 * Marion Betts (1829-1862) who was born in Babylon, Suffolk County, New York, and married Jonas Amos Martin (1821-1862) aka Jonas Glusha Martin, from North Springfield, Windsor County, Vermont on September 20, 1846
 * William Betts (1834-?)
 * Cornelia Betts (1837-1917) who married Richard B. Patterson I (1835-1908)
 * John C. Betts (1842-?)

Brooklyn, New York
In 1850 the family was living in Brooklyn, New York and Matthew was working as a "pilot" and William was working as a "clerk". They were living with Jonas Amos Martin a "ships carpenter".

Lost at Sea
Matthew was lost at sea on January 12, 1853 and it was reported in the New York Times on January 27, 1853: Marine Affairs. We have no tidings of the safety of the pilot boat Commerce. She was seen on the 12th inst. off Egg Harbor, and was in company with the pilot boat Nettle, Number 2, at the time and place, with the wind from East North East and blowing a gale. She hove to while in sight of the Nettle, which is the last account we have of her. The pilots on board were: McKnight Smith, of Brooklyn; Matthew Betts, of Brooklyn; Thomas Scott, of this city, and Nelson Cole. Thomas Smith, an apprentice, (son of the pilot of that name on board,) and Roger Clark, of New London, boat-keeper, cook and three men, were the parties on board. Three of the pilots and the boat-keeper.