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Birth
Betsy was born on January 1, 1752. She was born Elizabeth Griscom. -
Family
Betsy was with parents Rebecca James Griscom and Samuel Griscom. Her parents were both strong Quakers. She was the 8th out of 17 total children. -
Schooling
Betsy attended Rebecca Jones school for Quakers. She studied reading, writing, and sewing. This is where she learns the art of flag-making. -
First marriage
Betsy married the love of her life, John Ross. Her and John met at her job as an upholster. Betsy and John start their own upholster shop together. -
Kicked out of church
After Betsy ran away from home to marry John Ross, she was kicked out of the Quaker church. John belonged to the Christ church. Quakers frown upon those who marry non-Quakers. -
John's Death
While fighting in the war, John was injured from a gunpowder explosion. He came back to Betsy where she then tried to nurse him back to health. Unfortunately, Betsy could not save her husband and John died. -
Meeting with George
In late May, George Washington came to see Betsy. They had a meeting and discussed the American flag that was going to be made by Betsy. They wanted the flag to be perfect because it was the countries first official flag. -
American Flag
Betsy Ross was the first person to sew an American flag. She made multiple flags during the Revolutionary War. The flag symbolized that the country was coming together as a unified whole. -
Second Marriage
Betsy's second husband was Joseph Ashburn. He was arrested while working in the West Indies and put into a British prison. He died in prison. -
Third Marriage
Betsy's third marriage was to John Claypoole. Betsy met John when he delivered news to her about Joseph dying. Joseph and John were friends while they were in prison together. He later died of a stroke. -
Returned to church
After Betsy married John Claypoole they move back to her hometown. It is then when she returned to the Quaker church that she was once kicked out of. She spent the rest of her life back in her hometown. -
Death
Betsy died on January 30, 1836. She died of natural causes.
