Not many women are mentioned during the Revolutionary War. If they are, they are not always titled a "heroine." However, Molly Pitcher broke the trend by not only being a war hero, but a loyal wife and hard worker.
Born to German immigrants on Oct. 13, 1754, the future hero was given the name Mary. In 1769 Mary became a servant to Dr. William Irvine. Later Mary's employer became a colonel and a brigadier general in the colonial army. He also commanded men during the Battle of Monmouth.
Leaving her career as a maid, Mary married a soldier by the name of John Casper Hays. When he enlisted in the Colonial artillery in 1775, the couple shadowed one another all the way out into the battle field. During the cruel Battle of Monmouth, Mary would bring pitchers of water from a nearby creek to the thirsty soldiers. This act of courage and kindness earned Mary the nicknames of "Sergeant" and the more popular name of "Molly Pitcher." Both were good humored and well deserved names. Molly's acts did not stop at the pitcher. When Molly's husband collapsed while manning his cannon, Molly took over for him. This brought attention to Molly from George Washington who complimented her works.
Molly's happiness came to an end when her husband died in 1789. Instead of staying a widow Molly married her second husband, Gearge McCauley. However the two were not a happy couple. Mary was treated as a servant by her new spouse. It would seem all was lost for Molly Pitcher, but in 1822 the legislator of Pennsylvania awarded Mary with annuity for life to repay her for her acts of kindness.
Mary died on January 22, 1832. However, the example she set for those women who think they can't will live on forever. Molly Pitcher was definitely a heroine.
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Bibliography:
Davis, Caleb. "Pitcher Molly." Collier's Encyclopedia. 1996 Ed.
S.M. "Molly Pitcher." Molly Pitcher. http://www.usd439.ks12.ks.us/Molly_Pitcher.htm. (3 Dec. 1998).
