Legendary Betsy Ross and the American Flag Essay -- American America H

Legendary Betsy Ross and the American Flag The American flag has long been a symbol of our country, but there have been certain doubts about its origin. No one really knows who sewed the American flag. The legend of Betsy Ross has been told many times, but some people look upon it as a myth, saying Betsy Ross never even existed. Betsy Ross was indeed a real person who lived in the 1700's, but no one can prove she actually sewed the American Flag. Betsy Ross did not have an extremely interesting childhood. She was born Elizabeth Griscom on January 1, 1752, to a Quaker couple. Her father's name was Samuel Griscom, who worked as a carpenter. The Quakers were "members of the religious society of friends." (Comptons 1). She lived in Philadelphia, and attended a Friends School while growing up (Walters 335). Betsy Ross married three times, but her first marriage was to a man named John Ross in an upholstery shop where she was a seamstress at age 21. John Ross was the son of an Episcopal clergyman (Compton's 1). Their parents were against the marriage because John was not a Quaker, and so the two eloped together to Glouchester, New Jersey, on November 4, 1773 (Walters 335). After that, the Friends disowned her because she was married out of meeting. John Ross was a patriot. He owned an upholstery shop on Arch Street, Philadelphia. John, like many patriots served in the local militia. One December night in 1775 he was guarding astore of gunpowder when it exploded. He died January 21, 1776, after being severely wounded, leaving his widowed wife of three years behind with no children (Walters 335). After his tragic death, Betsy Ross continued the business alone. Betsy Ross married two other times. After John Ross's death,... ...rians believe that the story of Betsy Ross is pure fiction, but they do not know where the American flag could have originated from. The American flag is a symbol of our country, and it is sad that the legend of Betsy Ross cannot be proven. I believe that the legend of Betsy Ross will continue to be told to keep alive this piece of American history. Works Cited "Betsy Ross." Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia. CD ROM. 1996. Crouthers, David D. Flags of American History. Maplewood: C.S. Hammond and Co., 1962. Davidson, James W., and Michael B. Stoff. The American Nation. Eaglewood Cliffs: Paramount Communications, 1995. Seeden, Margaret. Star Spangled Banner. Washington D.C.: National Geographic Society, 1993. Tonn, MaryJane Hooper. You're a Grand Old Flag. Ideals Publishing, n.d. Waters, John J. "Betsy Ross." The New Book of Knowledge, 1991.