In the American history, Betsy Ross occupies an eminent place as she sewed the first American flag. This seamstress belonged to the city of Philadelphia and is thus the pride of the city.
Childhood of Betsy Ross
On January 1, 1752, Elizabeth (Betsy) Griscom was born to the Quaker family of Samuel and Rebecca Griscom. Her father was a successful carpenter who was initially established in New Jersey. But when Betsy was three years old, the family shifted to Philadelphia. They shifted at 4th Arch Streeta few blocks away from the famous Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street. Betsy received education from a Friends (Quaker) public school.
Later Life of Betsy Ross
In the school she learnt reading, writing, including sewing. After she completed her schooling, a local upholsterer trained Betsy in sewing. During her training she fell in love with another apprentice, John Ross. He was the son of an Episcopal assistant rector at Christ Church.
When Betsy was 21 years old she eloped with John Ross on November 1773. They married in New Jersey after traveling across the Delaware River to Hugg's Tavern. The inter-denominational marriages frowned the Quakers. After their marriage the couple started their own upholstery business. The American war of independence also influenced the life of Betsy and John Ross. Due to the war, their business was adversely affected.
Later, John Ross joined the Pennsylvania militia. In mid-January 1776, while guarding an ammunition cache he was fatally injured in an explosion. He died because of his wounds and was buried in Christ Church cemetery. After the death of her husband,
|
Betsy rejoined the Quakers who supported the war effort.
In June 1777, Betsy again married Joseph Ashburn, a sea captain in a ceremony performed at Old Swedes Church in Philadelphia. Zillah and Elizabeth were the two daughters of Betsy and Joseph. Captain Ashburn was captured by the British on his trip to the West Indies for arranging war supplies for the Revolutionary War. He was sent to Old Mill Prison in England where he died in March 1782.
Her old friend, John Claypool, informed Betsy of her husband’s death. He was also imprisoned at the brutal Old Mill. Betsy married John Claypool in May 1783, the marriage ceremony was performed at Christ Church. She had five daughters (Rachel, Jane, Larissa Sidney, Susannah, and Harriet, who died when she was 9 months) with John.
Betsy Ross, the sewer of American Flag
On a historical day three members of a secret committee from the Continental Congress came to meet Ross at her home in May 1776. The three members were George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, who came to see her and asked her to sew the first flag. At that time George Washington was the head of the Continental Army. Robert Morris was probably the richest citizen of the colonies. Colonel George Ross was a respected citizen of Philadelphia and also the uncle of her late husband, John Ross.
General Washington showed a rough design of the flag to Betsy Ross. The flag included six-pointed star, which was cut by Betsy with the scissors in a single snip. She impressed, the committee and was entrusted with the making of the first flag of America.
Betsy Ross died at the age of 84 on 30th January 1836.
|
