You’ve probably heard the (disputed) story of Betsy Ross and her Revolutionary War-era flag … but have you heard of Elizabeth Harriet Stevens Bowser and David Bustill Bowser and their Civil War battle flags?
The couple lived near present-day 4th and Spring Garden Streets, and they were locally prominent businesspeople, philanthropists, and activists in Philly’s 19th-century Black community.
David was a self-taught artist whose work included portraits of Abraham Lincoln and the abolitionist John Brown. The Bowsers operated a business making banners, uniform hats, and other similar items. During the Civil War, David painted battle flags for nearly a dozen Black regiments.
An 1864 battle flag by David Bustill Bowser. (Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
Both Bowsers were active in advocacy efforts, trying to further the rights of African Americans. You can read more about the couple on the National Museum of American History’s website.
Hey Philly will be spotlighting more influential Black Philadelphians every Tuesday until the end of this month — stay tuned for next week’s feature!
