John Ross and Betsy Ross are two names often mentioned together in American Revolutionary history, particularly in connection to the creation of the first American flag. While Betsy Ross is widely recognized for her role in sewing the flag, John Ross played a quieter but important role as her first husband. Their story is deeply rooted in the social, political, and personal transformations of 18th-century America. Exploring the lives of John and Betsy Ross provides insight into colonial society, the challenges of patriot life, and the powerful legacy of one of America’s most enduring symbols the flag.
The Early Life of John Ross
Background and Family
John Ross was born into a respected Episcopal family in colonial Pennsylvania. He trained as an upholsterer, a skilled trade at the time, and eventually became an apprentice under a prominent upholsterer in Philadelphia. During his apprenticeship, he met Betsy Griscom, a Quaker woman from a strict and religious family. Their meeting would not only shape their personal lives but would also intersect with the broader narrative of American independence.
Marriage to Betsy Ross
In 1773, John Ross and Betsy Griscom eloped, defying the wishes of her Quaker family. The marriage between a Quaker and an Episcopalian was controversial, resulting in Betsy being disowned by her family and expelled from the Quaker congregation. The couple joined Christ Church in Philadelphia and started a life together, opening an upholstery business that catered to the growing city and revolutionary clientele.
Betsy Ross: The Maker of the Flag
The Famous Flag Legend
Betsy Ross is famously credited with sewing the first American flag. According to popular tradition, she was approached by George Washington and other members of the Continental Congress in 1776 to create a flag for the new nation. While this story was first publicly told nearly a century later by her grandson, many historians believe Betsy played a role in crafting early flags for the Continental forces.
Working Together
John Ross and Betsy worked as partners in their upholstery business. This partnership extended beyond their shop; both were involved in the Revolutionary cause. Their work included making tents, uniforms, and flags for the Continental Army. Although John’s contributions are less documented than Betsy’s, he played a role in managing the business and supporting their revolutionary clientele.
The Revolutionary War and Personal Tragedy
Philadelphia and War
Philadelphia was a center of revolutionary activity. The city was home to the Continental Congress, and tensions with British authorities ran high. The Rosses’ decision to support the revolution placed them at personal and professional risk. Many colonial businesses suffered from war-related disruptions, but John and Betsy remained active in providing goods for the war effort.
John Ross’s Death
In January 1776, just months before the Declaration of Independence, John Ross died suddenly, likely from injuries sustained during a militia duty. His death left Betsy widowed at a young age and in charge of their business during one of the most tumultuous times in American history. She carried on the work they began together, continuing to support the Patriot cause through her craft.
Betsy Ross After John Ross
Continuing the Business
After John’s death, Betsy maintained their upholstery shop and remained deeply involved in Revolutionary activities. She married twice more first to Joseph Ashburn, who died in a British prison, and then to John Claypoole, who survived the war. Each of her marriages continued to link her to the ongoing struggle for American independence.
Her Role in American Memory
Betsy Ross became a symbol of American patriotism. Her legacy as the creator of the American flag endures, even though historians debate the accuracy of the traditional flag-making story. The image of a woman working diligently to create a symbol of unity resonated deeply with Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries, helping to immortalize her place in national lore.
Legacy of John and Betsy Ross
Shared Sacrifice
While John Ross did not live to see the independence of the United States, his early support of the revolution, along with Betsy’s determination, represent the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens during extraordinary times. Their decision to join the Patriot cause, despite personal and social costs, is reflective of many American families who put principle ahead of comfort.
The Betsy Ross House
The couple’s former home in Philadelphia is now preserved as the Betsy Ross House, a historical landmark visited by thousands each year. While primarily a tribute to Betsy, the home also stands as a reminder of the life and efforts she shared with John Ross in the early years of the American struggle for freedom.
- John Ross: First husband of Betsy Ross, upholsterer, early Patriot supporter
- Betsy Ross: Flag maker, upholsterer, and enduring symbol of American heritage
- Philadelphia: Epicenter of Revolutionary activity and the couple’s home
- Legacy: A testament to the contributions of everyday Americans in shaping the nation
The story of John Ross and Betsy Ross is one of partnership, courage, and enduring national identity. While Betsy became a household name, John’s contributions as her partner in both life and work deserve recognition. Together, they represent the fabric both literal and symbolic of the American Revolution. Their shared story reminds us that the fight for independence was not only waged on battlefields, but also in homes, workshops, and small businesses where courage and commitment quietly helped build a nation.