May 8, 1783

Betsy Ross & John Claypoole

Today in wedding history legendary seamstress & founding mother Betsy Ross married her third husband John Claypoole.

John met Betsy after being imprisoned by the British with her second husband. Though her second husband’s life ended in the hands of the British, John was fortunate to become free and meet Betsy.

The two happened to be old friends and not long after renewing their friendship they became married.

Their marriage lasted 34 years, both of them living until old age.

Though there is only some evidence that Betsy created the very first American flag (there is some debate that she may have created the second or third revision of it) one thing is certain: Betsy is the symbol of female courage and independence.