Betsy Ross (1752 – 1836) is a legend. She made real contributions to our nation’s founding. She was a patriot, a survivor and an entrepreneur. We know her best as the creator of our Stars & Stripes, but her strength is greater than a flag.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Griscom was born in Gloucester City, New Jersey to a large Quaker family. She was one of seventeen children, and one of the nine that survived to adulthood. As a young girl, her family moved to Philadelphia where she spent the rest of her life.
Betsy met John Ross, an Anglican. They fell in love and eloped in 1773. Betsy was shunned by her Quaker family. John Ross lost his life 2 months into the Revolutionary War leaving 24-year-old Betsy a widow.
The Rosses had opened an upholstery shop on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia where Betsy leveraged her sewing talents gleaned under her aunt’s tutelage. They met George Washington at Christ Church, and this led to a friendship.
Legend has it that Betsy mended General Washington’s uniforms and made draperies for the Washington’s home in Philadelphia. This led to lengthy discussions about flags and banners. She had a history of making flags, ensigns, and banners for the Pennsylvania Navy.
As the legend goes, in 1776, Betsy Ross was visited in her shop by George Washington, Robert Morris and John Ross (uncle to her deceased husband) inquiring about making a flag with 13 six-pointed stars. She suggested using a five-pointed star instead. This became the inspiration for the “Betsy Ross Flag” that we know today.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the first Flag Resolution representing the Betsy Ross design. June 14 is Flag Day in honor of the first Flag Resolution.
Resolved that the flag of the United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation.
Betsy married Joseph Ashburn, a patriot who was captured by the British Royal Navy. He died in captivity leaving Betsy to raise their daughter. In 1783, she married a third time to John Claypoole, a man who had been imprisoned with Ashburn. She returned to her Quaker roots with Claypoole. They had 5 daughters, 4 survived to adulthood.
After over fifty years in her trade, she retired at the age of 76. Betsy passed her upholstery shop to her daughters. She died at the age of 84.
Betsy Ross’ story is a basic American story. It’s a simple story of a wife and mother. She gave 2 husbands to the cause of Liberty. Hers is a story of faith, perseverance, and hard work. Like many Americans today, Betsy Ross used her talents and integrity to support her family and her nation.
Citizens who wish to see the American republic persevere--under a federal government that's hardly working--have a constitutional option. We can call a Convention of States to bring power back to the states and the people, where it belongs.
Be a 21st Century patriot and 1 of 50,000 Marylanders join our Race to Liberty by signing the petition at Convention of States Action today. Help us return our nation and our flag to be the envy of the world.
