Andrew Griscom (d.1694) immigrated from England to Newton, Camden County, New Jersey, married Sarah Dole in 1685, and moved to Phila- delphia. He was a direct ancestor of Elizabeth Griscom (1752-1836)-- also known as "Betsy Ross"--who lived in Philadelphia and married (1) John Ross (1752-1776) in 1773; (2) Joseph Ashburn (d.1782) in 1777; (3) John Claypoole (1752-1817) in 1783--with issue from the second and third marriages. Includes a chapter in support of the family claim that "Betsy Ross" sewed the American flag which was accepted by Congress. Includes Griscom family genealogy to about 1920.
A “first-rate” biography of the seamstress and patriot and a vivid portrait of life in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia: “Authoritative and engrossing” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Finalist, Cundill Prize in History Betsy Ross and the Making of America is the first comprehensively researched and elegantly written biography of one of America’s most captivating figures of the Revolutionary War. Drawing on new sources and bringing a fresh, keen eye to the fabled creation of “the first flag,” Marla R. Miller thoroughly reconstructs the life behind the legend. This authoritative work provides a close look at the famous seamstress while shedding new light on the lives of the artisan families who peopled the young nation and crafted its tools, ships, and homes. Betsy Ross occupies a sacred place in the American consciousness, and Miller’s winning narrative finally does her justice. This history of the ordinary craftspeople of the Revolutionary War and their most famous representative “reinvigorate[es] a timeworn American icon by placing her firmly into historical and social context [and] illuminates the significant role that ordinary citizens—especially women—played in the birth of the new nation” (Booklist). “An engaging biography.” —The New York Times Book Review “Fascinating.” —Cokie Roberts, New York Times–bestselling author of Founding Mothers “A stupendous literary achievement. It’s not easy to accurately write about a real folk legend. Miller does so with historical accuracy, vivid descriptive language, and an encyclopedic knowledge of her subject.” —Douglas Brinkley, New York Times–bestselling author of The Wilderness Warrior
