Molly Pitcher

Molly Pitcher (1754-1832), famous heroine of the American Revolution, born Mary Ludwig near Trenton, New Jersey. In 1769 she married John Hays. She came to be called Molly Pitcher after carrying pitchers of water to her husband and other thirsty soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth (see Monmouth, Battle of). According to some accounts, when her husband was overcome by heat, she fought in his place for the duration of the battle. In 1822, in recognition of her heroism, she was given a pension by the Pennsylvania legislature.