Charles Sheldon

Artist: Charles Sheldon
Medium: Pen & Ink Wash on Board
Size: 9" x 12" (23cm x 30cm)
Signature: Signed by Artist
Description: Charles Sheldon (1889-1961). Betsy would often tell her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends, of the fateful day when three members of a secret committee from the Continental Congress came to call upon her. Those representatives, George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross, asked her to sew the first flag. This meeting occurred in her home some time late in May 1776. George Washington was then the head of the Continental Army. Robert Morris, an owner of vast amounts of land, was perhaps the wealthiest citizen in the Colonies. Colonel George Ross was a respected Philadelphian and also the uncle of her late husband, John Ross. Naturally, Betsy Ross already knew George Ross as she had married his nephew. Furthermore, Betsy was also acquainted with the great General Washington. Not only did they both worship at Christ Church in Philadelphia, but Betsy's pew was next to George and Martha Washington's pew. Her daughter recalled, 'That she was previously well acquainted with Washington, and that he had often been in her house in friendly visits, as well as on business. She had embroidered ruffles for his shirt bosoms and cuffs, and it was partly owing to his friendship for her that she was chosen to make the flag In June 1776, brave Betsy was a widow struggling to run her own upholstery business. Upholsterers in colonial America not only worked on furniture but did all manner of sewing work, which for some included making flags. According to Betsy, General Washington showed her a rough design of the flag that included a six-pointed star. Betsy, a standout with the scissors, demonstrated how to cut a five pointed star in a single snip. Impressed, the committee entrusted Betsy with making the first flag. The story of Betsy Ross' life is one of triumph through adversity. She was disowned by the Quakers. She lost one husband to an explosion at a munitions depot that he was guarding. Her second husband died in a British prison. She survived her third husband, who was sick for many years. She had seven daughters, two of whom died in infancy. She maintained a business through it all. By the way, her pew was next to George Washington's at Christ Church. Professionally matted ready for framing.