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Born
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The Life of Betsy Ross
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Betsy marries John Ross
Betsy marries John Ross, an Episcopal clergyman and changes her last name to Ross. At the time, John Ross runs an upholstery business on Arch Street. The business lays a foundation for Ross to begin to see how to make flags by first making textile. Ross had married outside of her Quaker religion and as a result, she was disowned by the Society of Friends (the Quaker Church). -
John Ross dies
John Ross dies in a munitions explosion serving in the militia. Betsy Ross becomes a widow. Ross still carries on the business doing a variety of projects ranging from making small flags for naval vessels, making flags for Pennsylvania and even sewing ruffles on George Washington’s shirt. She has acquired property in both Philadelphia and Cumberland counties. -
The First Continental Congress meets with Ross
Washington and two members of Continental Congress, Robert Morris and Colonel George Ross, Betsy’s late husband’s uncle, meet with Ross and requested her to make the first flag for the new nation. Ross recommended some changes to George Washington's original design. The end result integrated Ross’s design of five pointed stars, instead of Washington’s idea of six pointed stars. -
The Flag is Vote on by Continental Congress
The flag with Betsy Ross’s suggestions, 5 pointed stars and red and white stripes is voted on by the Continental Congress. The flags design still holds as the symbol of America. -
Betsy Ross marries John Ashburn
Ross marries John Ashburn, her second husband. They have two daughters, Zillah who had died at just nine months old, and Eliza. At this time she is still trying to maintain her upholstery business. -
John Ashburn is Captured
John Ashburn is captured by the British on in a sea battle with Britain. He dies in Old Mill Prison in Britain. Ross is widowed for a second time. She learned about his death by a sailor named John Claypoole, an old friend. -
Betsy marries John Claypoole
Ross marries for a third time to John Claypoole. Claypoole had shared a prison cell with Ashburn. They had five daughters together named Clarissa Sidney, Susan, Rachel, Jane and Harriet who died at infancy. -
Ross is Widowed for the Third Time
Ross’s husband suffers from paralysis for years and dies. Ross is widowed for a third time. Betsy never remarries. -
Betsy Ross Retires
Betsy Ross retires from her upholstery business. She had employed much of her family living in Philadelphia. She moves in first with her married daughter Susan in Abington, a suburb of north Philadelphia. -
Died
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Her Legacy Lives On
At one of the meetings of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, one of Betsy Ross’s grandsons, William Canby, finally tells people about Betsy meeting with George Washington and with two member’s of Continental Congress to make a new flag for our nation. This is the first of hearing who made the flag. There is still no conclusive evidence to prove that Betsy Ross made the flag. Although the Arch Street shop still stands today.
