Before we leave this semi-quincentennial celebration of the United States behind, let’s look at yet another significant contribution by Scots. Among the signers of the Declaration of Independence was George Ross, a delegate to the 2nd Continental Congress from Pennsylvania. His father was George Aeneas Ross, born in Parish of Tain, Scotland and who was the 5th Earl of Balblair.
On this side of the Atlantic, his son, George, was a lawyer, judge, military officer and member of the Pennsylvania Assembly before becoming a delegate to the 2nd Continental Congress. George’s sister Gertrude, married George Read, a fellow signer of the Declaration of Independence. More important, one of George Ross’s nephews (John Ross) married Betsy Griscom, after which she became Betsy Ross.
Betsy Ross was a seamstress who, along with her husband, owned an upholstery shop. In the summer of 1776 (or possibly 1777) newly widowed Betsy is said to have received a visit from General George Washington regarding a flag design for the new nation.
Washington and the Continental Congress had come up with the basic layout, but, according to legend, Betsy allegedly finalized the design, arguing for stars with five points (Washington had suggested six) because the cloth could be folded and cut out with a single snip. He agreed and the rest, as they say, is colonial history.
Happy America 250!