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The Daily Insight

Who was molly pitcher

Author

Olivia House

Published Feb 08, 2026

What is Molly Pitcher known for?

A heroine of the Revolutionary War, Molly Pitcher was the nickname of a woman said to have carried water to American soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778, before taking over for her husband on the battlefield after he was no longer able to fight.

Who was the most famous Molly Pitcher?

Mary Ludwig Hays Molly Pitcher is a nickname given to a woman said to have fought in the American Revolutionary War. She is most often identified as Mary Ludwig Hays, who fought in the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778.

Why was Molly Pitcher a hero?

Molly Pitcher is an American war hero because of the brave choices she made to help our American soldiers. She was fearless when she ran back and forth carrying pitchers of water to the soldiers, risking her life every time because she could have been hit by enemy fire. She proved women could help out too.

Who was Molly Pitcher a servant for?

Dr. William Irvine Mary Ludwig’s life was fairly uneventful until 1769, when at the age of fifteen she moved to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to become a servant to the family of Dr.William Irvine.

Was Mary Ludwig a colonial woman?

Mary Ludwig Hays was born on October 13, 1754. Historians argue over where she was born, but she was either born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey. She grew up in a small, modest household and her parents were German immigrants.

What are three facts about Molly Pitcher?

Interesting Facts about Molly Pitcher

Mary Hays was known as “Sergeant Molly” after the Battle of Monmouth. Margaret Corbin was the first woman in the United States to earn a military pension for her actions in battle. Corbin’s wounded arm never healed right and she had difficulty using it the rest of her life.

Who was Molly Pitchers 2nd husband?

Following her husband’s death, she married a war veteran named John McCauley and worked in the State House in Carlisle. She was honored by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1822 for her wartime services, receiving an award of $40 and an annual commission of the same amount for the rest of her life.

What did Molly Pitcher do in her early life?

It is hard to find any information on Molly before the Battle of Monmouth. Born in 1754, Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley was the daughter of a New Jersey dairy farmer. At the age of 13, she went to work as a domestic/servant and married a barber named William Hays.

Where did Molly Pitcher died?

Carlisle, PA Mary Hays/Place of death

Who was Mary Ludwig Hays parents?

Maria Margaretha Ludwick John Georg Ludwick Mary Hays/Parents

How did Molly Hays come to be known as Molly Pitcher?

According to legend, at the Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778), Mary Hays, wife of artilleryman William Hays, carried water to cool both the cannon and the soldiers in her husband’s battery—hence the nickname “Molly Pitcher.” Legend also asserts that when William Hays collapsed or was wounded, she took her husband’s …

How many brothers did Molly Pitcher have?

Interesting Molly Pitcher Facts: During the Revolutionary period, many women named Mary were often nicknamed Molly. Molly had an older brother named Johann Martin. Molly’s parents were Maria Margaretha and John Georg Ludwig.

Where is Molly’s grave?

Old Public Graveyard, Carlisle, PA Mary Hays/Place of burial

What did Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley do after the war?

Following the end of the war, Mary Hays and her husband William returned to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. During this time, Mary gave birth to a son named Johannes (or John). In late 1786, William Hays died. In 1793, Mary Hays married John McCauley, another Revolutionary War veteran and possibly a friend of William Hays.