Charles Bettens, steam-boat pilot, was born near Vevay in 1835. He is a son of Phillip and Charlotte (Dutoit) Bettens, mentioned in the general chapters of this work, and who were one of the original Swiss families who settled in this county in 1801. Mr. Bettens grew up on the farm, and in early years was employed as pilot to flat-boats in trade between Cincinnati and New Orleans. From the flat-boat he entered the steam-boat service in which he still remains. For the past fifteen years he has been chiefly employed by the United States Mail Line Company, his long term of service in their employ being sufficient evidence as to his faithfulness and efficiency. Mr. Bettens was educated in the Vevay public schools, and the scenes of his boyhood are still his dwelling place.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell