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Samuel and Rebecca Griscom brought Betsy Ross into the world on January 1st, 1752. She would be the eight of seventeen children. She grew up in a home where plain dress was strictly used and so was discipline. Her great-aunt Sarah Griscom taught her to sew.

After she finished her schooling at the Quaker public school she went into apprenticeship as an upholsterer for William Webster. Here she met and married John Ross. He was the son of an assistant rector at the Christ Church. Due to the conflict of churches Betsy and John eloped at the age of 21, in 1773. They married in a tavern in Gloucester, New Jersey. She was excommunicated from the Quaker church as well as the family. They started their own upholstery factory and joined the Christ Church. So the story of Betsy's life begins.

The effects of the War on Betsy,

When the American Revolutionary war broke out it put a strain on their upholstery business. The fabric they needed grew very scarce and business almost slowed to a standstill. John joined the militia of Pennsylvania and was killed in January 1776.

Betsy goes forward,

When John had passed Betsy joined the "Fighting Quakers". These were not the traditional Quakers and supported the war effort. In June of 1777, Betsy married a Sea Captain by the name of Joseph Ashburn. They were married in Philadelphia in Old Swedes Church. This followed by the British forces taking over their house. In 1777 the British controlled the city. Betsy helped to nurse both Americans and British soldiers alike.

The Flag Maker,

Betsy Ross was a flag maker and although there is no solid proof it is said that she made the first American Flag during the revolution. This is supported by 19th century affidavits. It is said that she met with George Washington, George Ross and Robert Morris at her upholstery business in Philadelphia. This meeting resulted in the first known US Stars and Stripes Flag. At the time, the men thought that the stars would be too difficult for a woman to sew but Betsy put their fears to rest when she cut out the perfect star.

There is some evidence that Betsy was the first to make this flag and it is found in one of her receipts for making ship colors for the Pennsylvania Navy in May of 1777, as well as a folded star with her name on it. This was found in the Quaker Society safe. It has never been firmly proven but legend tells a different tale. There was one other that tried to claim this honorable post and that was Frances Hopkinson which was partially acknowledged

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