Molly Pitcher, who's real name was Mary Ludwig, was born on October 13, 1754. In 1769 Mary became a servant to Dr. William Irvine. She later married a soldier named John Casper Hays. During the Battle of Monmouth on June 28,1778, (a very hot day) Mary brought pitchers of water to thirsty soldiers. While getting some water from the creek she saw her husband collapse from an injury. She took hold of the cannon and manned the cannon. Mary became the second woman in history to use a gun in battle, (the first was Margret Corbin during the defense of Fort Washington in 1776). This gave her the well earned nicknames of "Sergeant" and "Molly Pitcher". George Washington heard about Mary and the great things that she had done. He complimented her great achievements. John (Mary's husband) died in 1789. She then married George McCauley. They were not a happy couple because Mary was treated like a servant by George. In 1822 the legislature of Pennsylvania awarded Mary with an annuity (or money) for life for all she had done. Mary died on January 22, 1832 at the age of 78. Mary was buried in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. A flagstaff and cannon appear at her gravesite.
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