Mary Hays (American Revolutionary War) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Hays McCauley
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Mary Hays at the Battle of Monmouth, lithograph
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| Birth name | Mary Ludwig |
| Born | October 13, 1754 Trenton, New Jersey, British America |
| Died | January 22, 1832 (aged 77) Carlisle, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Buried | (40°11′51″N 77°11′17″W / 40.19744°N 77.18797°W) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
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Mary Ludwig Hays (born October 13, 1754 – died January 22, 1832) was a brave woman who helped American soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. She is often remembered as the person behind the famous "Molly Pitcher" story. While Mary Hays is the most well-known figure, the legend of Molly Pitcher likely combines the actions of several courageous women on the battlefield.
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Mary Hays: A Revolutionary War Hero
Mary Ludwig was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in what was then British America. Her birth date is generally accepted as October 13, 1754. Her parents were Maria Margaretha and Johann George Ludwig. Mary probably did not attend school, as it was not common for girls to receive formal education at that time.
In 1777, Mary married William Hays, who worked as a barber in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. William later joined the Continental Army as an artilleryman. He was part of Proctor's 4th Pennsylvania Artillery.
Life at Valley Forge Camp
During the harsh winter of 1777, Mary Hays joined her husband at the Continental Army's winter camp in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. She was one of many women who followed the army. These women, sometimes led by Martha Washington, helped by washing clothes and blankets. They also cared for soldiers who were sick or injured.
In early 1778, the army trained under Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. Mary and other camp followers carried water to the troops during their drills. Artillerymen also needed water to cool their cannons and clean them after each shot. It was during this time that soldiers might have started calling her "Molly Pitcher." They would shout "Molly! Pitcher!" when they needed her to bring fresh water.
Bravery at the Battle of Monmouth
Mary Hays showed great courage at the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778. The weather was extremely hot that day. Mary spent much of the battle bringing water to the thirsty American soldiers and artillerymen. She found a spring to use as her water supply. Today, two spots on the battlefield are marked as the "Molly Pitcher Spring."
Taking Action on the Battlefield
During the battle, William Hays collapsed, either from a wound or heat exhaustion. He was carried off the battlefield. Without hesitation, Mary took his place at the cannon. She continued to "swab and load" the cannon, using her husband's ramrod. At one point, a British musket ball or cannonball flew very close to her. It tore off the bottom of her skirt. She calmly remarked that it could have been worse and kept working.
Later that evening, the fighting stopped. General George Washington heard about Mary's bravery. To honor her courage, he gave Mary Hays a special recognition. After this, she was known as "Sergeant Molly," a nickname she used for the rest of her life.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Mary Hays and William returned to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. They had a son named Johannes. Sadly, William Hays passed away in late 1786.
In 1793, Mary married John McCauley, another veteran of the Revolutionary War. Their marriage faced challenges. John McCauley later disappeared sometime between 1807 and 1810.
Mary McCauley continued to live in Carlisle. She worked as a general servant, cleaning houses, washing windows, and caring for children and the sick. People in Carlisle knew her as "Sergeant Molly." She was well-liked, even though she sometimes used strong language like a soldier.
On February 21, 1822, the state of Pennsylvania recognized her service. They awarded Mary McCauley an annual pension of $40. Mary died on January 22, 1832, in Carlisle. She was about 77 years old. She is buried in the Old Graveyard in Carlisle under the name "Molly McCauley." A statue of "Molly Pitcher" stands in the cemetery, honoring her memory.
The Legend of Molly Pitcher
The name "Molly" was a common nickname for women named Mary during the Revolutionary War. Historians have gathered many facts about Mary Ludwig Hays' life. This includes her family, marriages, and records. These details give us a good understanding of who she was.
However, the story of Molly Pitcher is likely a combination of many brave women. Historians believe that "Molly Pitcher" is a general term. It represents the hundreds, or even thousands, of women who helped the army. These women served by carrying water, helping with cannons, and supporting soldiers in many other ways. Mary Ludwig Hays is the most famous woman associated with this inspiring legend.
Remembering Mary Hays
Mary Ludwig Hays, known as Molly Pitcher, is honored in several places. She is remembered on the Monmouth Battle Monument in Freehold, New Jersey. Her grave in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, also commemorates her.
The Monmouth battlefield has a stone marker for the Molly Pitcher Spring. A rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike is named after Molly Pitcher. A mural showing Mary in battle was painted in the Freehold post office. It was later moved to the Monmouth County Library headquarters.
See Also
In Spanish: Molly Pitcher para niños
- Angelina Eberly
- Anna Maria Lane
- Agustina de Aragón
- Deborah Sampson
- Francisca Carrasco Jimenez
- Giuseppa Bolognara Calcagno
- Sally St. Clair
