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Mary Ludwig Hays Born
Mary Ludwig Hays was born on October 13, 1754 in New Jersey -
John Hays
On Decemeber 1775 John Hays, Mary's husband, joined the first Pennsylvania Artillery Regiment. This was a relatively new unit. This is also the first time he has been in war. -
Mary Followed John
Mary followed John to the field to preform chores for the army. She cooked, washed clothes and dishes, and nursed injured soldiers. She was a common married women in this time period. -
Battle of Monmouth
At the Battle of Monmouth both Mary and John Hays were present. Mary was a nurse and John was in the battle. Mary also brought water to all the soldiers in a pitcher, this got her the nickname of Molly Pitcher. -
Husband's injury
The same day the battle started John collapsed. Some people think it was from heat exaugtion but it could have been from a wound. Mary didn't find about this until later on, she was busy getting water for the troops. -
The Start of Her War Career
When Mary found out about her husband she threw down her pitcher and started firing her husbands cannon. She was exceptionally good with the cannon. She was so good, she used that weapon for the rest of the war. -
Near Death Experience
In the same battle a cannon ball, from the British, passed right through her legs. This cannon ball nearly hit her but only took off her petti coat. This was the moment she was recognized for her bravery because after nearly dying she continued on shooting the British. -
Meeting the General
For her unordinary acts of bavery and her amazing skills, she met General Washington. General Washington saw her at war and promoted her to Sergent Molly. She was one of the only women sergeants back then. -
New Husband
Her husband died and she got married to another vet named John McAuley. John was a vet at Fort Sheridan. This was in Illinois and he served with the 15th infantry. -
Money
Pennsylvania general, James Nagle, voted Mary to have a $40-per- year pension in recognition for her many years of service and her extraordinary skills. They got these pensions bacause after war, normally, people were really poor and couldn't afford much.This was a big deal because she was one of the few women to get a pension. -
Death
Mary Ludwig Hays died at age 78 and received a military funeral. She is know today as Molly Pitcher, she was one of the few woman to fight. For all of her bravery, skills, and leadership she got a memorial in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
