Molly Pitcher
Mary Ludwig Hayes (also called Mary Ludwig Hayes McCauley) is in records on June 28, 1778. This is when she signed up to serve with the Pennsylvania Artillery. She may have earned the nickname "Molly Pitcher" by bringing drinking water to soldiers in the heat at the Battle of Monmouth. When her husband had heat stroke or was wounded, Mary took his place on the artillery piece. The legend says she was personally thanked by George Washington after the battle, but this might not be true. Washington made a comment during the battle, recorded by Dr. William Read. Washington said that he was admiring the manner in which Proctor was handling their right. He was referring to Captain Francis Proctor's artillery company. Mary Hays was the wife of a gunner in that company. The Battle of Monmouth started the myth of Mary Pitcher. The state of Pennsylvania gave her a pension of forty dollars forty years after the battle for her heroism.