Women's Contributions: Betsy Ross

There are so many inspirational, amazing women both historical and contemporary that have affected change in some way for other women, men, and humanity at large that choosing the very first one to feature here seemed a daunting task. But one name stuck with me as I thought about this first column inspired by women’s empowerment and Etsy: Betsy Ross. She seemed like a natural fit: a pioneering woman who knew how to use a pair of scissors.

From a very young age, Betsy was a very passionate, confident woman. She was working as an apprentice upholsterer when she fell in love with a fellow apprentice named John Ross. In order to follow her heart and marry the man she loved, she was forced to elope with him: her parents were staunch member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers; who scorned interdenominational marriage). Her parents disowned her when they learned of her marriage to an Episcopal reverend’s son.

The young couple opened up an upholstery shop, but business was bad due to the lack of fabric during the American Revolution. It didn’t take long for John to join the Pennsylvania militia. Shortly after joining, John Ross was killed in a gunpowder explosion making Betsy the sole proprietor of their upholstery business.

In June 1776, Betsy received the fateful visit from George Washington, George Ross (John’s uncle), and Robert Morris of the Continental Congress. The Committee of Three showed Betsey a sketch of a flag that Washington drew in pencil with a six pointed star. Betsy, however, suggested a five pointed star instead because she could make it in just one snip. The flag was sewn from American grown hemp by Betsy in her parlor. The flag was flown when the Declaration of Independence was read aloud at Independence Hall on July 8, 1776.

The story of Betsy Ross's life is one of triumph through adversity. She was disowned by not just her parents, but the Quaker Church. She lost one husband to an explosion at a munitions depot; her second husband died in a British prison; and she survived her third husband, who was sick for many years. She had seven daughters, two of whom died in infancy. She maintained a business through it all and became one of the most memorable founding mothers of our country.

I encourage you to explore more about this remarkable woman and the part she played in shaping our nation. A great place to start is the Betsey Ross Homepage.