Betsy Ross

:For the lieutenant governor of New York, see Betsy McCaughey Ross.

Subsequent career

After John's death, Betsy joined the "Fighting Quakers" which, unlike traditional Quakers, supported the war effort. In June 1777, she married sea captain Joseph Ashburn at Old Swedes Church in Philadelphia. British soldiers forcibly occupied their house when they controlled the city in 1777.

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They had two daughters together. Captain Ashburn was captured by the British on a trip to procure supplies and was sent to Old Mill Prison, where he died in March 1782 several months after the surrender of General Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Related Topics:
March - 1782 - Charles Cornwallis - Yorktown

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In May 1783 she married John Claypoole, an old friend who had told her of Captain Ashburn's death. The couple had five daughters together. He died in 1817 after years of ill health. She continued working in her upholstery business until 1827. After her retirement, she moved in with her married daughter Susannah Satterthwaite, who continued to operate the business.

Related Topics:
1783 - 1817 - 1827

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She died in Philadelphia at the age of 84 and was buried at the Free Quaker burial ground; later her remains were removed to Mt. Moriah Cemetery; today her remains are located in the courtyard of the Betsy Ross House.

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