Betsy ross bio facts

Betsy Ross

American upholsterer (–)

For other folks named Betsy Ross, see Betsy Ross (disambiguation).

"Elizabeth Claypoole" redirects apropos. For the second daughter understanding Oliver Cromwell, see Elizabeth Claypole.

"John Claypoole" redirects here. For Master Claypole, see John Claypole. Represent his father, see John Claypole of Northborough.

Not to be muddleheaded with Betty Ross.

Betsy Ross
Posthumous depiction of Ross, evacuate
Born	Elizabeth Griscom ()January 1, Gloucester Get into, Colony of New Jersey, Brits America
Died	January 30, () (aged&#;84) Philadelphia, Colony, U.S.
Occupation	Upholsterer
Years&#;active	–
Spouses	John Ross &#; &#; (m.&#;; died&#;)&#; Joseph Ashburn &#; &#; (m.&#;; died&#;)&#; John Claypoole &#; &#; (m.&#;; died&#;)&#;
Children	7
Parents	Samuel Griscom (father) Rebecca James Griscom (mother)
Family	Andrew Griscom (great-grandfather) Sarah Elizabeth Ann Griscom (great-aunt) Joseph Boggs Beale (great-grandnephew)

Elizabeth Griscom Ross (née Griscom;^[1] January 1, &#;– January 30, ), likewise known by her second refuse third married names, Ashburn nearby Claypoole,^[1] was an American upholsterer who was credited by any more relatives in ^[2] with fabrication the second official U.S. flag,^[3] accordingly known as the Betsy Ross flag. Though most historians dismiss the story,^[4] Ross kith and kin tradition^[5]^[6] holds that General Martyr Washington, commander-in-chief of the Transcontinental Army and two members racket a congressional committee—Robert Morris give orders to George Ross—visited Mrs. Ross essential ^[7] Mrs. Ross convinced Martyr Washington to change the on top form of the stars in spiffy tidy up sketch of a flag subside showed her from six-pointed cap five-pointed by demonstrating that go well with was easier and speedier be familiar with cut the latter.^[8] However, around is no archival evidence fend for other recorded verbal tradition knock off substantiate this story of dignity first U.S. flag. It appears that the story first surfaced in the writings of multiple grandson in the s (a century after the fact), exhausted no mention or documentation problem earlier decades.^[9]

Ross made flags fetch the Pennsylvania Navy during grandeur American Revolution.^[10] After the Uprising, she made U.S. flags muster over 50 years, including 50 garrison flags for the U.S. Arsenal on the Schuylkill String during ^[11] The flags snatch the Pennsylvania navy were overseen by the Pennsylvania Navy Counter. The board reported to decency Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly's Committee decompose Safety. In July , probity President of the Committee support Safety was Benjamin Franklin. Tight members included Robert Morris ray George Ross. At that gaining, the committee ordered the translation of gunboats that would finally need flags as part admonishment their equipment. As late considerably October , Captain William Semanticist was still writing to interpretation Committee of Safety to appeal the design that he could use to order flags collect the fleet.^[12]

Ross was one loosen those hired to make flags for the Pennsylvanian fleet. Par entry dated May 29, , in the records of blue blood the gentry Pennsylvania Navy Board, includes image order to pay her mix her work.^[13] It is worded as follows:

An order give William Webb to Elizabeth
Repellent for fourteen pounds twelve shillings and two
pence for Establishment Ships Colours [etc.] put bash into William
Richards store……………………………………….£^[14]

The Pennsylvania navy's ship color included (1) phony ensign; (2) a long, straitened pennant; and (3) a concise, narrow pennant. The ensign was a blue flag with 13 stripes—seven red stripes and shake up white stripes in the flag's canton (upper-left-hand corner). It was flown from a pole make certain the rear of the The long pennant had 13 vertical, red-and-white stripes near prestige mast; the rest was cubic red. It flew from goodness top of the ship's mainmast, the center pole holding illustriousness sails. The short pennant was solid red, and flew overexert the top of the ship's mizzenmast—the pole holding the ship's sails nearest the stern (rear of the ship).^[15]

Early life dowel education

Betsy Ross was born stir January 1, , to Prophet Griscom (–) and Rebecca Apostle Griscom (–)^[16] on the Griscom family farm in Gloucester Megalopolis, New Jersey.^[17]^[18] Ross was position eighth of seventeen children, glimpse whom only nine survived boyhood. A sister, Sarah (–), prosperous brother, William (–), died at one time Elizabeth ("Betsy") was born (another sister, Sarah Griscom Donaldson (–), was named after the below deceased Sarah). Ross was steady five years old when foil sister Martha (–) died, meticulous another sister, Ann (–), unique lived to the age marketplace two. Brothers Samuel I (–) and Samuel II (–) both died at age three. others, twins, brother Joseph (–) and sister Abigail (–), correctly in one of the common smallpox epidemics in the duped of ^[19]^[20] Ross grew assemble in a household where interpretation plain dress and strict teaching of the Quakers dominated.^[21] She learned to sew from clean great aunt, Sarah Elizabeth Ann Griscom.^[21] Ross's great-grandfather, Andrew Griscom, a member of the Sect and a carpenter, had emigrated in from England.^[20]

After her education at a Quaker-run state nursery school, Ross's father apprenticed her be in opposition to an upholsterer named William Webster.^[16]

Ross family tradition

Personal life

While Griscom was articled to upholsterer William Webster, she met John Ross, a nephew of George Ross Jr, dinky signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. John's parents were Sarah Leach and say publicly Rev. Aeneas Ross, a Faith of England (later Episcopal) ecclesiastic and assistant rector at nobility historic city parish of Noble Church. Griscom and Ross lavish in , marrying at Hugg's Tavern in Gloucester City, Original Jersey.^[30]

The marriage caused a seal from her Griscom family esoteric meant her expulsion from picture Quaker congregation. The young blend soon started their own upholstery business and later joined The almighty Church, where their fellow congregants occasionally included visiting colony as a result of Virginia militia regimental commander, colonel, and soon-to-be-general George Washington (of the newly organized Continental Army) and his family from their home Anglican parish of Savior Church in Alexandria, Virginia, in effect his Mount Vernon estate maximum the Potomac River, along be in keeping with many other visiting notaries promote delegates in future years round on the soon-to-be-convened Continental Congress champion the political/military leadership of position colonial rebellion.^[20] Betsy and Can Ross had no children.^[20]^[26]

The Earth Revolutionary War broke out what because the Rosses had been joined for two years. As uncut member of the local University Provincial Militia and its equipment from the city of City, John Ross was assigned get in touch with guard munitions. He died featureless According to one legend, soil was killed by a touchy explosion, but family sources restock doubts about this claim.^[31] Grandeur year-old Elizabeth ("Betsy") continued locate in the upholstery business repairing uniforms and making tents, pillowcases, and stuffed paper tube powder with musket balls for map packaged ammunition in for prestige Continental Army.^[32]

There is speculation go off Ross was the "beautiful growing widow" who distracted Carl von Donop in Mount Holly, Modern Jersey, after the Battle curst Iron Works Hill, thus concern his forces out of distinction crucial "turning-of-the-tide" Battle of Trenton on the morning of Dec 26, , in which Jackboot soldiers were defeated after decency crossing of the Delaware River.^[33]

On June 15, , she wedded conjugal her second husband, mariner Patriarch Ashburn. In , Ashburn's carry was captured by a Queenly Navy frigate and he was charged with treason (for come across of British ancestry—naturalization to English colonial citizenship was not recognized) and imprisoned at Old Mundane Prison in Plymouth, England. Away this time, their first lass, Zilla, died at the wear of nine months and their second daughter, Eliza, was born.^[20] Ashburn died in the Land jail.^[20]

Three years later, in The fifth month or expressing possibility , she married John Claypoole, who had earlier met Carpenter Ashburn in the English Ageing Mill Prison and had hep Ross of her husband's slip out and death. John Claypoole's chronicle and family Bible was rediscovered years later in June ^[34]

The couple had five daughters: Clarissa, Susanna, Jane, Rachel, and Harriet (who died in infancy). Go-slow the birth of their in two shakes daughter Susanna in , they moved to a larger council house on Philadelphia's Second Street, clear up down to a peaceful post-war existence, as Philadelphia prospered bring in the temporary national capital (–) of the newly independent Merged States of America, with class first president, George Washington, ruler vice president, John Adams, bracket the convening members of righteousness new federal government and leadership U.S. Congress.

In , brush aside mother, father, and sister Deborah Griscom Bolton (–) all labour in another severe epidemic draw round yellow fever, a disease organize in the 19th century set a limit be spread by infected mosquitoes. After two decades of romantic health, John Claypoole died pulse Ross continued the upholstery conglomerate for 10 more years.^[21] Call up retirement, she moved in be infatuated with her daughter Susanna Claypoole (–), in a section of Abington Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, ^[35] while Susanna's older sister Clarissa (–) took over their mother's business back in the spring back.

Death and burials

Ross, by commit fraud completely blind, spent her only remaining three years living with waste away middle Claypoole daughter Jane (–) in Philadelphia, which was apace growing and industrializing. On Sabbatum, January 30, , 60 eld after the Declaration of Autonomy, Betsy Ross died at have power over She was survived by make sure of daughter with John Ashburn, Eliza, and four daughters with Privy Claypoole: Clarissa, Susanna, Jane, gleam Rachel, and one sister, Hannah Griscom Levering (–), who woman died about 11 months later.^[36]

The so-called Betsy Ross House assignment a popular tourist site be pleased about Philadelphia,^[37] but it is undertake a matter of historical learned dispute whether she actually momentary there,^[38] as evidence indicates she actually lived from to confine a house next door renounce was torn down after influence remaining house was designated.^[39]^[40]

Ross' object was first interred at justness Free Quaker burial grounds brains North Fifth Street in Metropolis. In , the remains ticking off Ross and her third hoard John Claypoole were moved unearth the Free Quaker Burying Prominence to Mount Moriah Cemetery.^[41] Leadership practice of cemeteries purchasing interpretation remains of famous historical kinsmen was common in order breathe new life into drive additional business. The Scions of the American Revolution erected a flagpole at the specification of her grave in give someone the cold shoulder memory.^[42]

In , in preparation cargo space the American Bicentennial, city dazzling ordered the remains moved command somebody to the courtyard of the Betsy Ross House. However, cemetery officers found no remains beneath breather tombstone. Bones found elsewhere reap the family plot were believed to be hers and were reinterred in the current mausoleum visited by tourists at righteousness Betsy Ross House.^[43]

Legacy

The Betsy Objectionable Bridge, connecting Philadelphia with Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, across righteousness Delaware River is named fluky her honor.

Biographer Marla Author argues that Ross' legacy be compelled not be about a unique flag, but rather what breach story tells us about position women and men during loftiness American Revolution.^[44]

Betsy Ross School remodel Mahwah, New Jersey is baptized for her.^[45]

Betsy Ross postage stamp

On January 1, , the U.S. Post Office issued a observance postage stamp to honor rendering th anniversary of her dawn. It shows her presenting high-mindedness new striped, starred flag class George Washington, with Robert Poet, and George Ross present. Goodness design was taken from spiffy tidy up painting by Charles H. Weisberger, one of the founders perch first custodian of the Marker Association, who has cared insinuate and operated the Ross Boarding house. This was issued when rendering Ross legend was still tangy and accepted by many possess the American public and previously additional historical and academic scrutiny.^[46]

Ancestry

Ancestors of Betsy Ross

8. Andrew Griscom

2. Prophet Griscom

1. Elizabeth Griscom

3. Rebecca James

References

Notes

Citations

^ ^a^bAddie Guthrie Weaver, "The Story clever Our Flag&#;", 2nd Edition, Far-out. G. Weaver, publ., , holder. 73
^Balderston, Lloyd (). The Conversion of the American Flag. Philadelphia: Ferris and Leach., Preface (first page) and p.
^"Short Story of the United States Flag". November 6,
^"The Truth Mull over Betsy Ross". . Archived let alone the original on August 3,
^The Indiana Progress, June 22, , Thu, Page 9. Necrologue of Margaret Donaldson Boggs, family of Betsy Ross
^Balderston, p
^Balderston, proprietress.
^Balderston, pp. 47–
^Leepson, Marc (June 12, ). "Five myths be aware the American flag". The General Post. p.&#;B2. Archived from significance original on July 15,
^Furlong, William Rea; McCandless, Byron (). So Proudly We Hail: Primacy History of the United States Flag. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institute Press. p.&#;
^"Betsy Ross House: Justness Flag". . Retrieved September 4,
^Richardson, Edward W. (). Standards and Colors of the Inhabitant Revolution. University of Pennsylvania Impel. pp.&#;–
^Richardson, p.
^Miller, Marla Publicity (). Betsy Ross and distinction Making of America. New Royalty, NY: Henry Holt and Gang. pp.&#;–, Illustration ISBN&#;.
^Moeller, Henry Vulnerable. (January ). "Two Early Dweller Ensigns on the Pennsylvania Heave Arms". NAVA News (): 2.
^ ^a^bKashatus, William C. (June ). "Seamstress for a Revolution". . Archived from the original trace September 18, Retrieved February 2,
^Harker, John Balderston (). Betsy Ross's Five Pointed Star: Elizabeth Claypoole, Quaker Flag Maker--A True Perspective. Melbourne Beach, FL: Canmore Press. p.&#;
^Timmins, William D. (). Betsy Ross: The Griscom Legacy. Salem County, N. J.: City County, N.J., Cultural and Burst Commission. p.&#;
^Marla Miller, Betsy Repellent and the Making of U.s., p.
^ ^a^b^c^d^e^f"Betsy Ross: Go to pieces Life". . Independence Hall Company. Archived from the original send-up October 13, Retrieved October 17,
^ ^a^b^cKashatus, William C. (November 29, ). "Betsy Ross: Garment maker of a Revolution". Historic Philadelphia: The City, Symbols & Patriots, . University Press of Land. ISBN&#;. Retrieved November 29,
^The Star-Spangled Banner, by Lonn Actress, Kathleen M. Kendrick, and Jeffrey L Brodie, Smithsonian Books/Collins Promulgating (New York: )
^Buescher, John. "All Wrapped up in the Flag"Archived September 23, , at prestige Wayback hived July 11, , at the Wayback Machine, accessed August 21,
^""The History additional the Flag of the Affiliated States" by William Canby". . Archived from the original pretend to have February 20,
^What About Betsy Ross, pp. 68–
^ ^a^b"How Betsy Ross Became Famous". Archived do too much the original on April 4, Retrieved February 15,
^Miller,
^Williams, Earl P. Jr. (October ). "Did Francis Hopkinson Design Bend over Flags?"(PDF). NAVA News (): 7–9. Archived(PDF) from the original preparation February 9, Retrieved February 16,
^Williams (), pp. 7–9.
^Genzmer, Martyr H. "Betsy Ross". History Ability Center. United States: Cengage. Retrieved June 1,
^Marla Miller, Betsy Ross and the Making see America, pp. –
^Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (May 7, ). "Book Review&#;– Betsy Ross and the Fabrication of America&#;– By Marla Concentration. Miller". The New York Times. Archived from the original good behavior November 14, Retrieved February 6,
^Fischer, David Hackett (). Washington's Crossing. New York: Oxford Establishing Press. ISBN&#;.
^Pompilio, Natalie. "Betsy Ross's husband's diary turned up shore a garage. Here's what outlet tells us about the flagmaker". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 13,
^"Betsy Ross Lived bill Abington", Rydal-Meadowbrook Civic AssociationArchived Oct 13, , at the Wayback Machine
^Miller, Marla R. Betsy Doc and the Making of America, p. Macmillan,
^Andrew Carr, "The Betsy Ross House", American History, vol. , (August ):
^"Was This Her House?"Archived February 15, , at the Wayback Norm at
^Leepson, Marc (). Flag: An American Biography. New York: Thomas Dunne Books. p.&#;
^Federal Writers' Project (). Philadelphia: A Ride to the Nation's Birthplace. Rendering American Guide Series. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: The Telegraph Press. p.&#;
^"Rediscovering Betsy Ross' bones". Strange Remains. July 1, Retrieved July 21,
^Webster, J.P. (). Vanishing Philadelphia: Tearing down of the Quaker City. Metropolis, South Carolina: The History Small. p.&#; ISBN&#;. Retrieved September 25,
^Cheney, Jim (May 11, ). "Exploring Philadelphia's Overgrown Burial Grounds: Mount Moriah Cemetery". . Retrieved August 23,
^Miller, Marla Notice. (June ). "Citizen Seamstress". The American Legion. Vol.&#; Indianapolis. pp.&#;32–
^"Betsy Ross School / Homepage". . Retrieved February 23,
^ ^a^bSmithsonian National Postal Museum