Betsy Ross

By Mrs. Frimmer

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The beginningBetsy Ross was born Elizabeth Griscom in Philadelphia Pennsylvania

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Early DaysBetsy probably attended Quaker schools, where she would have learned how to needlepoint.The picture to the right is of Betsy Ross’ house in Philadelphia.

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In 1773…She married John Ross and was expelled from the Friends’ meeting for marrying someone outside the religion.Back in those days, people almost had to marry someone within their religion.

Business as UsualBetsy and John decided to open an upholstery business together.The picture to the left is a sample of tools used in the upholstery business.

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War Breaks OutIn 1776, war broke out in Philadelphia and John was killed.Betsy decided to keep the upholstery business and started making flags for Pennsylvania.

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The Big Meeting

In late May or early June of 1776, Betsy met with George Washington, George Ross, and Robert Morris.The meeting is said to have led to the sewing of the first flag.

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The 5-Pointed StarBetsy was struggling to run her own business and when George Washington showed her a rough design of the flag that included a six-pointed star, she demonstrated how to cut a five-pointed star with one snip of her scissors.

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In 1777…Betsy married Joseph Ashburn, a sailor, who was captured by the British and later died in prison.

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Third Times a Charm!In 1783, Betsy married again, this time to a man named John Claypoole, whom she met when he delivered Joseph’s farewells to her.

Business is GoodIn 1817, John dies of a disability, but Betsy continued to run the business until 1827.She brought many of her immediate family members into the business that she had created.Betsy Ross died on January 30, 1836

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Works Citedhttp://hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b4bross4va.htmhttp://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flaglife.htmlhttp://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/blross.htm