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Betsy Learned to Sew
Betsy went to a public Quaker school. She learned how to sew there. This is important because if she never learned to sew, she would have never made the flag. -
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Years Betsy was Sewing
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Betsy Elopes with John Ross
Betsy decided to elope with John Ross. Because he was a non-Quaker, Betsy was no longer a Quaker either. She was shunned by her family. -
Starts Upholstery Business
Betsy and her husband John started an upholstery business. Betsy continued the business after John's death. George Washington will later contact this business to make the flag. -
Committee of 3 meet with Betsy
Betsy Ross meets with the committee of 3. The committee of 3 is made up by George Washington, George Ross, and Robert Morris. This meeting lead to the making of the first flag. -
Continental Congress adopts Betsy's Design for the Flag
The Continental Congress was seeking to promote national pride and unity. They decided Betsy's flag would be the United States' flag. The flag had 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 white stars on a blue field. -
Betsy Marries a Second Time
Betsy Ross marries for the second time. This time, she married Joseph Ashburn. They have two daughters. -
Betsy Marries a Final Time
Betsy Ross got married a third time. She married John Claypoole. They have five children, all girls. -
Betsy Returns to being a Quaker
Betsy Ross and John Claypoole joined the society of Free Quakers. This group was different from traditional Quakers. Free Quakers supported the Revolutionary War, while traditional Quakers didn't. -
Betsy's Daughters Begin Sewing Flags
In 1790, Betsy taught her daughters to sew. They helped make flags for the next decade. They made many flags in that time. -
Betsy Retires from Sewing
At 76, Betsy decided to retire from sewing. Her eyes were beginning to go bad and she was getting very old. She was in business for over 50 years.
