Why do people say "Heavens to Betsy"?

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Why: I just said it to Joel. Last night I said it to Zack. I say it all the time... but who is Betsy?

Answer: "This American phrase has been in circulation since the latter part of the 19th century, although its use faded throughout the 20th century and it is now something of an anachronism." The first example is from Rose Terry Cooke's book of short stories Huckleberries Gathered from New England Hills, 1891:

"Heavens to Betsy!" gasped Josiah.

But who was Betsy? Various theories have been put forth, but it is unlikely that she will be identified, if she was even a real person at all.

Etymologist Charles Earle Funk published Heavens to Betsy!: & Other Curious Sayings in 1955 and ventured that the origin of Heavens to Betsy! were "completely unsolvable."

Source: Phrases.org.uk

The More You Know: "Heavens to murgatroid!" came from the anthropomorphic mountain lion/cougar/puma/panther Snagglepuss, but no one seems to know the true origin of that, either. Harumph.