Betsy ross flag

A symbol of patriotism, Ross is often celebrated as the woman who helped George Washington finish the design. Although there is no historical evidence that she created this flag, her story has made her a national icon. Betsy Ross was born as Elizabeth Griscom on January 1, She was the eighth of seventeen children, but only about nine survived childhood.

Her father Samuel Griscom owned an old farmhouse and was a successful carpenter in New Jersey.

Betsy rose plant

Ross and her family were members of the Quaker religion and she attended a traditional Quaker school in Pennsylvania. Upon finishing her schooling, Ross became an apprentice for the popular upholsterer, John Webster. Ross learned how to make and repair many items, including curtains, tablecloths, bedcovers, and rugs. She became a very skilled seamstress and upholsterer.

While working for Webster, she fell in love with another apprentice named John Ross. Her decision to marry John Ross caused her to split from her family and the Quaker religion when she was only years-old. Betsy and John Ross started their own upholstery business in Philadelphia and became members of Christ Church. Their business was successful, and it is reported that they even made bed hangings for George Washington in John Ross was also a member of the Pennsylvania militia.

After three years of marriage, John Ross passed away.