Edward Hector facts for kids

This is a page from the official muster roll of Proctor's Artillery.

Another page from the muster roll, showing soldiers' names and details.

This page also lists soldiers who served in Proctor's Artillery.

Edward "Ned" Hector (born around 1744) was a brave African American soldier. He fought in the American Revolutionary War for American independence. Thousands of people of color joined the fight.

Ned Hector served as a teamster (a wagon driver) and a bombardier. A bombardier was part of an artillery crew. He was with Proctor's Third Pennsylvania Artillery. This group later became the Fourth Continental Artillery.

He fought in important battles like the Battle of Brandywine (September 11, 1777). He also fought in Germantown (October 4, 1777). During the Battle of Brandywine, he famously refused to leave his wagon and horses. He said, "The enemy shall not have my team; I will save my horses and myself!"

Edward Hector: A Revolutionary War Hero

Edward Hector first appears in military records in February 1777. He was listed as a bombardier in Colonel Proctor's 3rd Pennsylvania Artillery. A bombardier was a key position for firing cannons.

Some people believed that African Americans only did manual labor in the army. But records show that many, like Hector, were fighting soldiers. African Americans fought for both America and Britain during the war.

Bravery in Battle

Hector showed great bravery during the war. He could have followed orders to retreat and leave his supplies. Instead, he saved his wagon, horses, and guns. This was a very heroic act.

His commanding officer, however, was later punished. This officer left the battle in a way that was not proper for an officer. Hector's actions stood out as truly courageous.

A Free Man in the Army

Military records show that Edward Hector owned four horses and a wagon. This was important because it meant he was a free man. If he had been a slave, his property would have belonged to his master.

Hector served in the military from February 1777 until at least December 1780. He worked as a teamster, transporting important supplies. For example, in May 1780, he moved pig metal for the artillery. He also delivered cannon shells in December 1780.

Seeking a Pension

After the war, Edward Hector applied for a pension in 1827. A pension is money paid regularly to someone after they retire or serve in the military. His first application was turned down.

He applied again in 1829 and 1833. Finally, in 1833, the Pennsylvania Congress voted to give him a one-time payment of forty dollars. This was a "gratuity," a gift for his service.

Edward Hector's Life After the War

After the war, Edward Hector lived in Plymouth Township, Pennsylvania. This area later became the town of Conshohocken in 1850. He was one of the first African Americans to settle there.

He was an active part of his community. He paid taxes from 1811 to 1825. He died on January 5, 1834, at about 90 years old. Sadly, his wife also passed away shortly after him.

Honoring a Hero

Sixteen years after his death, in 1850, the people of Conshohocken remembered Hector. Thirty-two citizens asked the town council to build a road. They wanted to name it Hector Street to honor him.

In 1976, a historical marker was placed at Hector and Fayette Street. This plaque honors Ned Hector and the many other African Americans who served in the American Revolution.

Family Life

Edward Hector's obituary mentions that he had been married for about fifty years. This means he likely married around 1784, when he was about 40. His wife's name was Jude.

Burial

A researcher found a gravestone with "E.H." on it. This stone is in Robert's Cemetery in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. It is believed to be Edward Hector's burial site.

Related Information

• www.nedhector.com
• Greene, Robert Ewell Black Courage 1775-1783
• Davis, Burke Black Heroes of the American Revolution
• Schama, Simon Rough Crossings
• Trussell, John B. B. The Pennsylvania Line, Regimental Organization and Operation 1776-1783
• Mazyck, Walter H. George Washington and the Negro
• Selig, Robert A. The Revolution's Black Soldier
• Drotning, Phillip Black Heroes in Our Nation's History
• Blockson, Charles Black Genealogy
• Blockson, Charles African Americans in Pennsylvania
• Cox, Clinton Come All You Brave Soldiers
• Becton, Joseph W. The Black Regiment and the Defense of Philadelphia

Images for kids

• 

  This is a page from Edward Hector's obituary.

• 

  Another page from Edward Hector's obituary.