Betsy Ross

     I was born on January 1, 1752. My parents named me Elizabeth but everyone called me Betsy. I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a Quaker. We went every week to meetings to worship. We lived a simple life. We wore plain clothes and did not play music, dance or play cards. I really liked to sew and go on picnics when I was little. I stopped going to school when I was twelve because my father wanted me to learn a trade. I started working in an upholstery shop because I could sew.
     While I was working at the shop I met a man named John Ross. I wanted to marry him but he was not a Quaker. He belonged to the Church of England. My parents only wanted me to marry a Quaker so we had a secret wedding in New Jersey. We then joined the Christ Church and ran our own upholstery shop. Some people called Patriots were unhappy with British taxes and wanted to break away from Britain. John and I agreed with this and joined the cause. John was hurt one night guarding army supplies and later died from his injuries. I went on to marry two more times and had seven daughters and many grandchildren.
   I have become an American legend because most people believe that I made the first Stars and Stripes flag because George Washington asked me to. I told him the best way it should be done and then I did it! I died on January 30, 1836 at the age of 84. My story will live on though as long as the United States flag flies! You can come visit my home in Philadelphia if you want to learn more about my life. Betsy