Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-12-23
tBy Winnie C. James.l

Probably few native Iowans know
that daughter OF Betsy Ross. the
maker OF the frst American flag,
lived and died In Fort Madison. Her
grave, marked by simple marble
slab. Is In the old city cemetery In
sight OF the Mississippi river On the
stone Ia this inscription. "Clarissa S.
Wilson. born April 3. 1856. In Phil
adelphia. Pa, died July 10, 1864, aged
10 years. months" Beside her grave
is that of her daughter, Mrs. Rachel
j. w. Albright. who passed away at
the age of 80 years II was during
an afternoon visit at the house Of
Mrs. Albright's daughter, Mrs. Kate
Robson. that the writer had the rare
pleasure of hearing from Betsy Ross
great granddaughter tho story OF how
Betsy happened to make the first
American flag.
Betsy had become estranged from
her Quaker family thru her love for
staunch Episcopalian, John Ross.
After her marriage she assisted her
husband In his business as ship
furnisher. and made many flags of
various designs for the colonies.
During the war for independence
young Ross was injured by a British
shell, from the effects Of which he
lilter died. After his death Betsy's
father told her he was willing to
forgive and forget her shortcomings
and take her home again. But in
dependent Betsy said NO! I'll not
go back where I'll be the cause or
dissension and trouble. | shall con-
unae my husbands business and
make living for myself" So when
General Washington expressed a 6e-
sire to have n national flag made Col.
George Ross, an uncle OF Betsys hus-
band. and member % Washing
toms staff. said. II can take you to
one who, ] feel sure, can carry out
your plans" So together they visited
the home, in Arch street, Philadel-
phia, In which lived the young Wild
ow Ross--then only "a years OF age.
The general told her something OF the
design he had In mind. hut suggested
six pointed star. Betsy took up
her scissors and cut star Of five
points and induced Washington to
accept 1t as the better design.
A duplicate of this flag. with it's
circle of thirteen stars on field Of,
blue. hangs In the chancel of ST.
Lnke's Episcopal church in Fort
Madison. ON strip OF white cloth
attached TO the flag Is written:
First L. S. flag made in 1777 by
Betsy Ross. This copy ef the original
flag was made in March, 1905. by
Rachel Albright aged 90 years.
granddaughter OF Betsy Ross
Mrs. Robson brought forth from
her treasure chest this poem. copied
and sent to her by the mother OF Mrs.
Cyrus Townsend Bra dw.
OUR FLAG"
IA quiet house. u quiet street,
A needle and a thread. e
A scissors and a square of blue.
Some strips of white and red:
And slender hands that deity
stitched
The shining stars across.
Twas thus the flag OF liberty was
Made by Betsy Ross.
Tho Father Time has worn 10 rags.
The ermine robes of kings.
And left the guns OF war to rust
Among forgotten things.
The crowns and scepterssat his touch
Have turned to dust and dross.
Yet not broken stitch has marred
The work OF Betsy Ross.
I'm stately halls, in lowlv homes
Today its colors wave.
The shelter of the worlds oppressed:
The beacon of the, brave.
Let glory on the nations shield,
Among the stars emboss
The thread. the needle and the name
And fame Of Betsy Ross"
Betsy's maiden name was Eliza
beth Griscome. She was born Jan. r
l752, and died Jan. 80, 1895. She was
thrice married. A few years after
the death of John Ross she married
Capt. Joseph Ashburn, an intimate
friend of her first husband. On one
OF it's voyages Captain Ashburn's YES
sci was captured and he was sent to
Mill prison In England. Some months
later, while homeward bound from a
government mission to France, John
Claypoole, friend Of Captain Ash