The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-03-15

TIE AMERICAN FLAG.
and Nv whom the FIRST Flag Was Made.


where and BY whom the First Flag Was Made.
stated meeting of tt Historical society of
Pennsylvania was held last evening at their
rooms in the Athen@um Building, corner of
Sixth and Adephi streets. Colonel j. Ross
Snowden presided Mr.. Shrigley, librarian,
reported that since the previous Gus meeting the
society had received III books, 65S pamphlets 9
works of art and q relic, the latter being the
old-fashioned brass knocker taken from the
door of Stephen Girard's house, No. 81 or %
Water street. ~
William ]. Candy Esq., read paper on ''the
Rrst Star Spangled Banner made in America,
and who made it:"-
'tHe discovered, in tracing the history Of this ma
topaemblem, that the arst instances when the stars
and stripes unurled, were at the siege OF Fort
Schuyler, August H. 1177, and upon an occasion
Nancy was chartered by the Continental Congress
TO procure military stores in the West Indies, during
the latter part OF 1175 While at Porto Rco In July
of the ensuing year. the information came that the
colonies had declared their independence, ana with
this information came the description OF
the nag that had been accepted the national ban
ner. A young man, Captain Thomas Mandenyllle
set to work to make one and successfully accom-
plIshed il, The nag was unfurled and sauted with
thirteen guns When the brig Nancy was upon her
return voyage sne was IN
all ths munitions TO the shore, and when the last
boat put OH ySpng xa man the IN W SSh1 ran me- &
shrouds OF the mast, and securing the nag brought
it trumphantly to shore, through hot fire from the
'rThe first American nag, however, according to
the design and approval OF Congress, was made by
Mrs. Elizabeth Ross. Three Of her daughters still
live in our vicinity 10 confirm this fact-foundng
their belief not upon what they saw, for it was
made many years before they were born but upon
WHAT mother had often tod them Aniece of this
lady, Mrs. Margaret Boggs, aged ninety-fve years,
now lives in g. rmantown, and is conversant with
the fact. The fact is not generally known that to
Philadelphia not only belongs the honor OF ninging
the FIRST star-spangled banner to the breeze but to
Philadelphia lady belongs the honor OF having
made it, am, ,4o.,. NJ
Arch strpn ia being S9)-the
of an old row. 1t is related that when Congress had
decided upon the design Colonel George Ross and
her to make it. Sne said don't knew whether 1
can, but I'll try, and directly suggested to the gen
were sx-cornered and not hve-cornered as they
should be. This was corrected. she made the flag
this lady furnished the Government with all its
national nags having, OF course, large assistance
This lady was also the wife Of Claypole one OF the
lineal descendants Of Oliver Cromwell"
The address was very elaborate and very inte-
resting, and at its conclusion the gentleman was
officially thanked.
DEATH OF DIR. JAMES SwAIM.-Dr. James
Swain, noted Philadelphian, died in Paris
March 13, in the sixtieth year of his age. He
was born in New York, but was educated at the
University of Pennsylvania. He attended medi-
cal lectures in that institution and also in Lon
don and Paris. Having the command of means,
he never engaged in the practice of the medical
profession, but devoted his time to researches
in science. HIS studies have been especially
directed to the spectrum analysis, to telegraphy,
to military signals and to photography. He
published q code and system of military signals
which have been adopted by several govern
ments. Dr. Swain has for several years at
intervals been resident of the French capital.
During the war he was in this country engaged
with the Sanitary Commission At the close of
the war he returned to Paris to continue his
studies. He was actively employed in these at
the time of his death. His researches have
always been of great value to the cause of
science.
OvERcoATs AND RAzoRs.-Officer Houghton
yesterday arrested negro named John Robin
son on Germantown avenue above st. John
street, on the suspicion of having gstoen couple
of overcoats which he carried over his arm.
Accompanying John was another colored ndi-
vidual, who attempted to rescue John, and to
this end drew forth razor, with which he made
several dashes at the officer, but fortunately
none took effect. Seeing assistance approach
ing he left on a double quick. John was then
taken before Alderman Eggeton, who sent
him to prison. One of the coats, it has since
been ascertained was stolen from Philip
Ostheimer, Germantown avenue and st. John
street. The other awaits claimants at the
Tenth District Station House.
SAD CAsE.-A widow woman, named Mary
McNamee, whose folks reside in Norristown,
forced by poverty left her late residence at
Chester few days ago, and with her three chill
dren, one aged ten, one six, and the other three
years, walked all of the way to this city, she
carrying the youngest child in her arms. Ar.
irving here last night she sought temporary
shelter Mt the Central Station, intending to walk
to Norristown this mornin The poor woman
being questioned closely, old her sad tale of the
death of her husband and her poverty, where
upon fund was at once collected for her, anC
she was sent on her way this morning re
joicing
DIsTURBANCE.-On Saturday night party o
young men, all inebriated, visited suspicious
house on Julianna street, near Vine, and com
menced raising row outside, and shouting TO
admittance. Suddenly Day-Sergeant Meyer
issued from the place, and showing his ''star,
ordered them away. They refused to go
and row followed during the progress O
which Meyers lost his hat No arrests wer
made, but we learn that Meyers has sued one O
the parties for the larceny of his tile.
THEFT OF CLoTHING.-John Mcdonald, age
Barker streets, and watching his opportunit
with which he decamped. The proprietor nc
ing the articles, Immediately notified an officer
who followed after and succeeded in arrestin
John, the clothing being found in his possession
He was taken before Alderman Jones, who con
mitted him in default of $500 bail to answer
RoBBERY.-About IL o'clock yesterday morr
ing, there were stolen from the residence of
d. Shaw, No. 1927 Francis street, gold watc
and chain, silver watch, pair of gold earring
pair of sleeve-buttons, set of studs, and silvt
ring. The robbery is supposed to have bee
committed by an apprentice of Mr.. Shaw's an
a lad who resided next door, both of whom ha