Mary Ludwig, later known as Molly Pitcher, was born October 13, 1744, the daughter of John Ludwig. She married John Hays in 1769, and during his service in Proctor’s First Pennsylvania Artillery in the Continental Army she accompanied him and served as an army nurse, becoming widely known for bringing water and aid to soldiers. At the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778, after Sergeant John Hays was severely wounded, she took his place at the cannon and continued its service until the battle ended, an act for which General George Washington personally thanked her for her bravery. She later returned to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with her wounded husband, and after his death married Sergeant George McKolly, or McCauley. The Pennsylvania Assembly in 1821-1822 granted her a pension for services rendered, and after her death on January 22, 1832, she was buried with military honors.
