Was Betsy Ross Born With A Full Set Of Teeth
Introduction
Elizabeth Griscom, better known as Betsy Ross, was an American seamstress who is widely credited with designing and creating the first American flag. Her story is shrouded in myth and legend, and one of the most persistent rumors about her is that she was born with a full set of teeth. In this article, we'll explore the truth behind this intriguing rumor and separate fact from fiction.
Early Life
Betsy Ross was born on January 1, 1752, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her parents, Samuel and Rebecca Griscom, were Quakers and owned an upholstery business. Betsy was the eighth of seventeen children and grew up in a large, close-knit family.
There is no record of whether Betsy was born with a full set of teeth or not. However, it is unlikely that she was, as this is a rare occurrence that only happens in about one in every 3,000 births.
Apprenticeship
When Betsy was a teenager, she was apprenticed to an upholsterer named William Webster. She learned the trade from him and eventually took over her own upholstery business. It was during this time that she is said to have sewn the first American flag at the request of George Washington.
Designing the Flag
The design of the American flag is often attributed to Betsy Ross, but it is unclear whether this is true or not. The story goes that George Washington visited her in 1776 and asked her to create a flag with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes to represent the thirteen colonies. Betsy is said to have suggested that the stars be arranged in a circle, rather than a row, and to have made the first flag herself.
However, there is little evidence to support this story, and some historians believe that it was invented by Betsy's descendants in the 19th century to increase her fame and reputation.
Later Life
After the Revolutionary War, Betsy married three times and had seven children. She continued to run her own business and was active in the Quaker community. She died on January 30, 1836, at the age of 84 and was buried in the Quaker cemetery in Philadelphia.
Conclusion
The rumor that Betsy Ross was born with a full set of teeth is just that – a rumor. There is no evidence to support this claim, and it is unlikely to be true. However, it is just one of many fascinating stories that surround the life of this remarkable woman, who played a significant role in American history.