| Molly Pitcher (Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley being commendered by General George Washington... She was named Sergeant Molly Piitcher by General Washington |
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| "Molly Pitcher." The simple account of a picturesque historic incident, especially if invested with the romantic interest a women's participation imparts, often becomes rapidly encrusted with so many traditional variations in details, which obscure the basis of historic truth, that the incredulous are inclined to regard the whole story as one of those pleasing myths that often embellish sober history. Such is the story of Molly Pitcher, the heroine of the battle of Monmouth. But in Carlisle, from which place she went, to which she returned after the there is no doubt about the leading facts of her life. The Molly Pitcher of Lossing, the heroine of Ft. Washington, buried along the Hudson, is a different individual though frequently confounded with the heroine of Monmouth. The substantial facts seem to be: that during the battle of Monmouth, June 28th, 1778, lasting through "one of the hottest days ever known" when soldiers were dying of heat and thirst, the wife of John Hays, a sergeant of artillery, was carrying water in a pitcher to the thirsty soldiers, who called her familiarly, by reason of this grateful service, Molly Pitcher. Her husband during the battle was struck down insensible, but not killed as is frequently stated, and the piece was ordered to be withdrawn. She at once stepped to the front, seized the rammer and continued to assist in serving the piece effectively till the close of the battle. Washington was attracted by her and he complemented her and made her a sergeant on the spot and the soldiers thereafter called her sergeant or Major Molly. At all events her husband recovered and she continued with him in the army, nursing the sick and wounded and making herself generally useful. At the close of the war she returned with him to Carlisle, where he shortly afterwards died. She was then married to John McCauly, a friend and fellow soldier of her husband. He did not live very long and their marriage was not a very happy one. She survived her husband many years, known of course as Molly McCauly, and the statements so frequently made that Molly Pitcher was a young Irish woman, originated from this name derived from her second marriage. The fact is she was of good Pennsylvania-German stock. Her maiden name, Mary Ludwig, would almost justify this statement; but, in addition, her granddaughter, Polly McCleester, who knew her well, when it was suggested that she was Irish, replied indignantly: "No, she was Dutch as sauerkraut; her maiden name was Mary Ludwig!" Her first husband, John Hay, was a barber in Carlisle at the outbreak of the request, and with the permission of Colonel Proctor, commanding the regiment. They had been married several years before. As a girl of about 20, she had been "hired" in the family of General William Irwin, of Carlisle, and her granddaughter recollected an account given her of the short and amusing courtship, commenced whilst she was sweeping in front of the Irwin home, in her short gown and petticoat. She was still with the Irwin family at the outbreak of the war. After the war she lived in the family of Dr. George D. Foulke, and served other families in Carlisle. The notice of her death in the "Volunteer" states: "For upwards of forty years she resided in this borough, and was during that time recognized as an honest, obliging and industrious woman." In person, little is said, by those who remembered her she was not a very attractive. She was rather short and masculine in appearance and manner, but kindhearted and helpful to the sick and needy. Her descendants, all by her first husband, have been highly respectable citizens. Her son, John Ludwig Hays, the middle name being that of his mother's maiden name, was sergeant in the old infantry company of Carlisle, and was in the war of 1812. He died in Carlisle about 1853 and was buried with the honors of war, the band of music and a large escort of U.S. Troops having been furnished by Captain May, then in command of the U,S. Barracks. His sons, John and Frederick, lived in Carlisle , the former being street commissioner in 1883. His daughter, Polly McCleester, lived at Papertown, Mt. Holly Springs. She remembered her grandmother very well, and in her 81st year unveiled the monument to her erected in the old cemetery at Carlisle. It bears the following inscription: "MOLLY McCAULY, Renowned in history as MOLLY PITCHER, The Heroine of Monmouth, died January 1833, aged 79 years. Erected by the Citizens of Cumberland County, July 4, 1876. She died in Carlisle, January 22, 1832, nearly ninety years old. The date of her death on the monument is unaccountably incorrect. Various statements are made in regard to the recognition accorded her by the Government. The following extract from the American Volunteer, February 21, 1822, under head of "Legislature of Pennsylvania" not only shows what was done by the State, but, also incidentally, shows that by common consent, at a time when many were living who could have disputed the facts, the general statements in regard to her history were accepted. It is credited to the Harrisburg Chronicle as follows: "A bill has passed both Houses of the Assembly granting an annuity to Molly McCauly (of Carlisle) for services she rendered during the Revolutionary war. It appeared satisfactorily that this heroine had braved the hardships of the Camp and dangers of the field with her husband, who was a soldier of the revolution, and the bill in her favor passed without a dissenting Voice-chronicle." According to the records at Harrisburg, no application was made for the pension after January 1st, 1832, a fact, if any were needed, corroborative of 1832 as the year of her death. The foregoing statements are believed to be reliable. They are based mainly upon exhaustive investigations of that painstaking and authoritative local historian, Rev. J. A. Murray, D.D., and include the results of personal interviews with many who were acquainted with the heroine. =================================================================== Some accounts say that Molly may have come from a farm near Trenton, New Jersey. Visit the Monmouth County, NJ USGenWeb Page for the New Jersey viewpoint. =================================================================== Additional Information: On February 21, 1822, an act was signed by Governor Joseph Hiester, that had been passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate of Pennsylvania, and signed by Joseph Lawrence, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and William Marks Jr., Speaker of the Senate. That the State Treasurer be, and he is hereby directed to pay Molly M'Kolly, of Cumberland County, or her order, forty dollars immediately, and an annuity of forty dollars to commence on the first of January, one thousand eight hundred and twenty two, payable half yearly during life for her services during the revolutionary war. ================================================================= Source: Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of the Nineteenth Congressional District, Pennsylvania containing Biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the district together with an introductory historical sketch edited by Samuel T. Wiley, Esq. Second Edition. Philadelphia: C.A. Rioff Company, 1897. Contributed by Shirley H. Shope. Source of Additional Material: Laws of Pennsylvania 1821/1822 and the 46th year of Independence Harrisburg Pennsylvania, 1822 Contributed by Vi P. Limric To history, she was the best - known woman of the American Revolutionary War. She was the heroine of the Battle of Monmouth, which occurred on a hot June day of 1778. Born under the name Mary Ludwig, later known as Molly Pitcher, she is also known as Mary Hayes McCauley. A great deal of research has been done into her background, which has kept artists and writers busy for the past century. Many years ago as a new immigrant and eager to learn and adapt the American way of life, I attended Americanization classes during evenings. Learning about American history and the great contributions immigrants had made, I soon also focused on German immigrants. They too had made significant contributions to improve living in the United States. Among the many, I had learned about Mary Ludwig, the daughter of a German immigrant from the Pfalz. Molly Pitcher's actions during the battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, have been described in a very interesting article by Charlotte Arndt (see: Steuben News May / June issue of 2002): "Molly Pitcher - A German Maedchen or Irish Lass". As stated in this article, a plaque was placed next to the Molly Pitcher monument in the Carlisle cemetery where Molly Pitcher is buried. It states: "THE NAME 'LUDWIG' IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH MOLLY PITCHER". I had also read in local newspapers similar statements, which aroused my curiosity to find out more about the controversy. I just kept thinking and talking about it when I could find someone who was interested. Living in Freehold Township, not far from Monmouth Battlefield State Park, I had attended a number of the annual reenactments of the Battle of Monmouthand was always wondering why there was no monument to commemorate Molly Pitcher at Monmouth Battlefield State Park while there is a very impressive monument in Carlisle, PA, where she is buried. Later, I did find a small monument with a plaque inserted. It is hidden somewhat in the bushes not far from the battlefield's visitor's center. However, it is hardly noticed by anyone. Most people who are familiar with the park have told me they have never seen it. One short paragraph in the program really took me back to focus on Mary Ludwig again. Wasn't she the Molly Pitcher of German origin? It stated: Mary Hays McCauley, better known as "Molly Pitcher," is often thought to be of German ancestry. Current research demonstrates that she was probably not born under the name of "Mary Ludwig" as many sources have believed. I had to read this paragraph over again. Current research? Why is there a current research on Molly Pitcher? And who is doing it? My mind could not let go of this statement. My curiosity made me decide to find out more. First, I contacted Jim Raleigh, President of the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, an organization of volunteers dedicated to the enhancement of Monmouth Battlefield State Park. Shortly afterwards we met at a nearby restaurant where Jim not only answered my questions, he also was so gracious to take me on a four hour tour of the battlefield area. A retired engineer from Bell Labs, Jim Raleigh has compiled 30 years of research on the Battle of Monmouth. He stated he has the material for a book, "Life and Legend of Molly Pitcher in Art and History." According to Jim, the name Molly or Moll is listed in an old Oxford dictionary as: Woman in service of a gun. That is also what the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth did. She manned a gun (cannon) after her husband was struck. |
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Pitcher's well or a source where she drew the water for the men of her husband's artillery unit's
thirsty men - and possibly for cooling the cannon. Known as the Wemrock Sp;ring, it is a creek,
which appears to flow through an orchard and underneath a road and railroad tracks. A farmer
named Perrine, according to Jim Raleigh, placed a marker near the creek in order to avert
visitors who were trampling over his property looking for Molly's well. It is not known when the
marker was placed but it is still there today. According to historic accounts, Molly Pitcher had not
been in the area during the battle, meaning that the Wemrock spring could not have been Molly
Pitcher's water source anyhow. Nevertheless, an inscribed stone construction remains.
Next, we stopped at what is known as the Railroad Well. Jim pointed out that the remaining
roundstone construction was sponsored by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
when the Queen of England announced her visit during the late 1930's. However, when the
Queen came to visit, she remained in the railroad car, just passing by. Located in front of
railroad tracks it is also believed that the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. just used the well for their
workmen. Jim explained that a local farmer named Thompson said in 1910 that this was the
original Molly Pitcher well. However, Jim thinks the location of the well is highly unlikely since
the area was directly located between cannon fire of British and American batteries.
Not far from this point proceeding down county road #522 going towards Englishtown we
encountered a sign on the side of the road. Erected by a local politician and sign maker, it
describes the stry of Molly Pitcher, America's First Heroine, and points out another source, at the
Suffin House where Molly Pitcher supposedlydrew her water from. Having read the sign, we
proceeded to Old Tennent Church and cemetery where some of the fallen soldiers after the battle
were laid to rest.
Walking northeast past the church and going somewhat up hill we came to an area called Perrine
Hill. Jim noted that on this hilly area a battery of American manned cannons was engaged against
the British forces. It is now believed that here, Molly Pitcher, as she was later named, performed
her historic tasks. Historians have concluded, with the aid of archeological finds of military
debris, that here on Perrine Hill, was the most probable location where Molly Pitcher's cannon
stood. An organization named BRAVO (Battlerfield Restoration and Archeological Volunteer
Organization) is planning on placing a cannon with a commemorative display on the approximate
spot.
Turning around from Perrine Hill and after a short walk to a wooded area, Jim took me on to a
wooden platform. Overlooking down a ravine, this platform was erected not long ago by the Molly
Pitcher Women's Club for visitors to overlook the historic area. The area is now designated by
Dr. Gary Wheeler Stone, the park's historian, where Molly Pitcher drew her pitchers of water. Jim
Raleigh discovered the area some time ago whe n he walked past Old Tennent Church.
Approaching from Philadelphia, it was here where tbe American troops came marching by. Going
upstream of an old creek, and after the area was cleared of trees, Jim discovered green ground
where a farmer had installed drainage tiles at a spring, Official credit has been given to Jim
Raleigh for discovering the area what is now believed to be Molly Pitcher's original source of
water. This now was the fouth possible location where Molly Pitcher drew her water from up to
this point. And there was more as I learned later.
After hours of viewing the many significant points on the battlefield and not to miss the proud
Steuben monument, I had not learned much about the sources or the results of the Current
Research so I pressed on to find out what I had set out to do. Jim referred me to a book. A Molly
Pitcher Sourcebook, written by Dr. David Martin who is also a member and officer of the Friends
of Monmouth Battlefield. Jim mentioned that he supplied information from his own research to
Dr. Martin. Also, Jim referred to a booklet, published in 1972 and written by Samuel Stelle Smith, a
genealogy researcher from Monmouth Beach, NJ.
I read Smith's booklet but I did not find any concrete evidence to support his claim that Molly
Pitcher was not Mary Ludwig and that she was Irish. I met Dr. David Martin and purchased his
book: A Molly Pitcher Chronology. According to the author, it is the only book ever written on
Molly Pitcher. Published in 2003 I found his book loaded with a wealth of information, very
impressive and very interesting in my search for Molly Pitcher information. It describes many
significant points of historic information on Molly Pitcher up to this point in time. Reading all of
this interesting information made me only more curious to find outmore solid information on the
Current Research.
Meanwhile, I had asked Bob McKnight, a friend who's ancestor had fought at the battle of
Monmouth, what he thought about the revisionist's views on Molly Pitcher's identity. Bob, a
member and historian of the SAR, Sons of the Americanb Revolution, Monmouth Chapter, passed
word about the subject to Chapter President Clark McCullough and was soon invited to attend a
SAR meeting with a presentation of a very interesting slide show featuring none other than Molly
Pitcher. At the meeting and after the presentation, I did not hear anyhthing in controversy from
the attendee's to the historic account that Molly Pitcher's original birth name was Mary Ludwig.
Bob McKnight and Clark McCullough firmly believe that Mary Ludwig was indeed the original
Molly Pitcher of Monmouth. Both stated to me that the "History Corrected Plaque" near the Molly
Pitcher Monument in Carlisle should not be there and it should be removed. They have given
me many good suggestions and have helped me gathering information on Molly Pitcher.
When I read Dr. Tolzmann's article: Molly Pitcher (Maria Ludwig Hayes): A Pennsylvania
Revolutionary War Heroine, in the July / August 2005 Steuben News issue, it only reinforced me to
gather more information on the true identity of Molly Pitcher.
Listed below is most of the information I was able to compile. Much of the
information is gathered from Molly Pitcher websites, DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
documents, from a number of booklets, correspondence with Mary Duggan, Clark McCullough,
Constance McDonald, Bob McdKnight, Mary Lou Schauman, Alan Smith, and Dr. Don Heinrich
Tolzmann. Also, from Dr. David Martin's: A Molly Pitcher Sourcebook. This book contains over 100
sources by more than 80 authors.
The story of Molly Pitcher has been well described by a number of writers for the past century.
There is no need for me to go into details here.
There were 3 women who received military pensions for their services in the Revolutionary War.
1. Mary Hays McCauley, known as Molly Pitcher, heroine of the Battle of Monmouth. She was the
best known woman of the Revolutionary War Era. She was also known as Captain or Sergean t
Molly.
2. Margaret Corbin, known as Captain ,Molly. She was an Irish woman. Born in Pennsylvania,
she was married and the wife of John Corbin. John Corbin was engaged on November 16, 1776 at
the Battle of Fort Washington, New York. When he was mortally wounded Margaret took his place
as an assistant artillerist. She died in 1800 and is now buried at West Point. She is often
confused with the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth. The confusion is not surprising since both women
served in the artillery and were known as Captain Molly.
3. Deborah Sampson. She was dressed in the disguise of a man. When her true identity
became known she was honorably discharged.
thirsty men - and possibly for cooling the cannon. Known as the Wemrock Sp;ring, it is a creek,
which appears to flow through an orchard and underneath a road and railroad tracks. A farmer
named Perrine, according to Jim Raleigh, placed a marker near the creek in order to avert
visitors who were trampling over his property looking for Molly's well. It is not known when the
marker was placed but it is still there today. According to historic accounts, Molly Pitcher had not
been in the area during the battle, meaning that the Wemrock spring could not have been Molly
Pitcher's water source anyhow. Nevertheless, an inscribed stone construction remains.
Next, we stopped at what is known as the Railroad Well. Jim pointed out that the remaining
roundstone construction was sponsored by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
when the Queen of England announced her visit during the late 1930's. However, when the
Queen came to visit, she remained in the railroad car, just passing by. Located in front of
railroad tracks it is also believed that the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. just used the well for their
workmen. Jim explained that a local farmer named Thompson said in 1910 that this was the
original Molly Pitcher well. However, Jim thinks the location of the well is highly unlikely since
the area was directly located between cannon fire of British and American batteries.
Not far from this point proceeding down county road #522 going towards Englishtown we
encountered a sign on the side of the road. Erected by a local politician and sign maker, it
describes the stry of Molly Pitcher, America's First Heroine, and points out another source, at the
Suffin House where Molly Pitcher supposedlydrew her water from. Having read the sign, we
proceeded to Old Tennent Church and cemetery where some of the fallen soldiers after the battle
were laid to rest.
Walking northeast past the church and going somewhat up hill we came to an area called Perrine
Hill. Jim noted that on this hilly area a battery of American manned cannons was engaged against
the British forces. It is now believed that here, Molly Pitcher, as she was later named, performed
her historic tasks. Historians have concluded, with the aid of archeological finds of military
debris, that here on Perrine Hill, was the most probable location where Molly Pitcher's cannon
stood. An organization named BRAVO (Battlerfield Restoration and Archeological Volunteer
Organization) is planning on placing a cannon with a commemorative display on the approximate
spot.
Turning around from Perrine Hill and after a short walk to a wooded area, Jim took me on to a
wooden platform. Overlooking down a ravine, this platform was erected not long ago by the Molly
Pitcher Women's Club for visitors to overlook the historic area. The area is now designated by
Dr. Gary Wheeler Stone, the park's historian, where Molly Pitcher drew her pitchers of water. Jim
Raleigh discovered the area some time ago whe n he walked past Old Tennent Church.
Approaching from Philadelphia, it was here where tbe American troops came marching by. Going
upstream of an old creek, and after the area was cleared of trees, Jim discovered green ground
where a farmer had installed drainage tiles at a spring, Official credit has been given to Jim
Raleigh for discovering the area what is now believed to be Molly Pitcher's original source of
water. This now was the fouth possible location where Molly Pitcher drew her water from up to
this point. And there was more as I learned later.
After hours of viewing the many significant points on the battlefield and not to miss the proud
Steuben monument, I had not learned much about the sources or the results of the Current
Research so I pressed on to find out what I had set out to do. Jim referred me to a book. A Molly
Pitcher Sourcebook, written by Dr. David Martin who is also a member and officer of the Friends
of Monmouth Battlefield. Jim mentioned that he supplied information from his own research to
Dr. Martin. Also, Jim referred to a booklet, published in 1972 and written by Samuel Stelle Smith, a
genealogy researcher from Monmouth Beach, NJ.
I read Smith's booklet but I did not find any concrete evidence to support his claim that Molly
Pitcher was not Mary Ludwig and that she was Irish. I met Dr. David Martin and purchased his
book: A Molly Pitcher Chronology. According to the author, it is the only book ever written on
Molly Pitcher. Published in 2003 I found his book loaded with a wealth of information, very
impressive and very interesting in my search for Molly Pitcher information. It describes many
significant points of historic information on Molly Pitcher up to this point in time. Reading all of
this interesting information made me only more curious to find outmore solid information on the
Current Research.
Meanwhile, I had asked Bob McKnight, a friend who's ancestor had fought at the battle of
Monmouth, what he thought about the revisionist's views on Molly Pitcher's identity. Bob, a
member and historian of the SAR, Sons of the Americanb Revolution, Monmouth Chapter, passed
word about the subject to Chapter President Clark McCullough and was soon invited to attend a
SAR meeting with a presentation of a very interesting slide show featuring none other than Molly
Pitcher. At the meeting and after the presentation, I did not hear anyhthing in controversy from
the attendee's to the historic account that Molly Pitcher's original birth name was Mary Ludwig.
Bob McKnight and Clark McCullough firmly believe that Mary Ludwig was indeed the original
Molly Pitcher of Monmouth. Both stated to me that the "History Corrected Plaque" near the Molly
Pitcher Monument in Carlisle should not be there and it should be removed. They have given
me many good suggestions and have helped me gathering information on Molly Pitcher.
When I read Dr. Tolzmann's article: Molly Pitcher (Maria Ludwig Hayes): A Pennsylvania
Revolutionary War Heroine, in the July / August 2005 Steuben News issue, it only reinforced me to
gather more information on the true identity of Molly Pitcher.
Listed below is most of the information I was able to compile. Much of the
information is gathered from Molly Pitcher websites, DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)
documents, from a number of booklets, correspondence with Mary Duggan, Clark McCullough,
Constance McDonald, Bob McdKnight, Mary Lou Schauman, Alan Smith, and Dr. Don Heinrich
Tolzmann. Also, from Dr. David Martin's: A Molly Pitcher Sourcebook. This book contains over 100
sources by more than 80 authors.
The story of Molly Pitcher has been well described by a number of writers for the past century.
There is no need for me to go into details here.
There were 3 women who received military pensions for their services in the Revolutionary War.
1. Mary Hays McCauley, known as Molly Pitcher, heroine of the Battle of Monmouth. She was the
best known woman of the Revolutionary War Era. She was also known as Captain or Sergean t
Molly.
2. Margaret Corbin, known as Captain ,Molly. She was an Irish woman. Born in Pennsylvania,
she was married and the wife of John Corbin. John Corbin was engaged on November 16, 1776 at
the Battle of Fort Washington, New York. When he was mortally wounded Margaret took his place
as an assistant artillerist. She died in 1800 and is now buried at West Point. She is often
confused with the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth. The confusion is not surprising since both women
served in the artillery and were known as Captain Molly.
3. Deborah Sampson. She was dressed in the disguise of a man. When her true identity
became known she was honorably discharged.
Molly Pitcher's tombstone in the Old Graveyard in Carlisle, PA show these inscriptions: Molly McCauly Renowned in History as Molly Pitcher The Heroine of Monmouth Died January 1832 Aged 78 years The Monument in the Old Graveyard states the following: Molly Pitcher Mary McColly McCauley Mary Hays Nee Mary Ludwig Born 13 October 1744 Died January 1832 |
John Landis, a historian of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America, was the first to claim, in 1905,
he knew the maiden name of Molly Pitcher. He states that Mary Ludwig was born in Mercer County,
NJ to John Ludwig, a dairyman, on October 13, 1754. She married a barber, John Casper Hays.
License issued July 24, 1769. After the death of her first husband she married George McKolly
(various spellings). Mary died January 22, 1832. Landis said he haddone some additional research
and found that Hays was John Casper Hays and that Molly Pitcher was Mary Ludwig, a young German
of origin living among the Scot Irish.
Dr. William Egle (1830 - 1909) a noted Pennsylvania genealogist and historian of the Patrick order of
the Sons of America stated that Mary Ludwig was born October 13, 1744 in Lancaster County. (note
the ten year's in birth day difference from J. Landis information). Egle further stated that Mary
Ludwig married John Hays in 1769 and that John Caspar Hays was the same person. Hays served in
Proctors first PA. Artitillery and was at the Battle of Monmouth in Col. W. Irvine's 7thRegiment.
Historian Rev. C. Wing stated in a letter to the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,
written in 1878: "The original name before the marriage was Mary Ludwig, so recorded in the family
bible. Her husband was John Hays, a barber, and a sergeant in a company of artillery. " Wing
statesa that Mary Hays McCauley of Carlisle, born in Trenton, NJ was the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth
fame. Wing also states that Mary was probably born in Germany. She had a son who was born in
Trenton. One of his daughters unveiled the Molly Pitcher monument in Carlisle.
William Styker (1838 - 1900) A HISTORY Writer and soldier during the Civil War, later Brigadier
General, wrote in his book: The Battle of Monmouth "Mary Ludwig was the daughter of John George
Ludwig. On July 24, 1769 she married John Caspar Hays, a barber of Carlisle, PA. Hays served in
Captain John Alexander's Company of Colonel William Irvine's Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment at
Monmouth. Molly Hays followed her husband i n the war, When John Hays was wounded at the gun
she took his place and performed some act of unusual heroism. After the death of Hays and after
the war Molly Hayes married John McCauley. Stryker confirms that Mary Hays McCauley was the
Molly Pitcher who fought at Monmouth.
History writer Rev. J.A. Murray stated in an article in the 1883 Carlisle Volunteer: John Hays was the
husband of Mary Ludwig: Mary Hays McCauley's son John L. Hays middle initial "L" stood for Ludwig
after his maternal grandfather. Granddaughter: Polly McCleester (various spellings) has said whe
was particularly angry at those who stated her Grandmother was Irish. She insisted that "she was a
Dutch as Sauer Kraut, and her name was Mary Ludwig." Rev. Murray made an exhaustive
investigation with personal interviews with many who were acquainted with the heroine.
Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Professor of Germa American Studies at the University of Cincinnati
wrote an article in the 2005 July/August issue of the Steuben News; Molly Pitcher (Maria Ludwig
Hayes): A Pennsylvania German Revolutionary War Heroine, stating that he edited a book in 1992 by
Henry Melchior Richards dealing with the role played by German - Americans in the American
Revolution. Richard's book first appeared in 1908. It deals with the pre 1800 period. Excerpts cite
a description of Maria Ludwig, married to John Casper Hayes and her actions at the Battle of
Monmouth. According to Richards: "Molly Pitcher, the female gunner at the Battle of Monmouth,
about whom so much has been said and written, was a pure-blooded Penn sylvania German."
Also, the Monument that was erected to honor Molly Pitcher caused a great deal of interest that led
to an article about her by H.A. Rattermann, a well known German-American historian. He
corresponded in 1876 with Molly Pitcher's granddaughter and published an article that published
her heritage. Rattermann noted that her husband was also German and that Hays was the
anglicized version of either "Heis" or "Hess."
Dr. Tolzmann noted to me: "Since he (Rattermann) worked with her (Molly Pitcher's granddaughter)
for the completion of his article, I would say that it is a direct primary\reference that can not be
ignored."
Alan Smith of Pittsburgh, PA has personally told me he is a fifth generation of Molly Pitcher and her
name was Mary Ludwig.
Ella Kramer Bender 1924-2002 of Carlisle, PA, a member of the DAR, was a direct descendent of Mary
Hays Ludwig McCalla (McColly, McKolly) "Molly Pitcher". In her membership application to the DAR
she lists in her genealogy that she was a lineal descendent of William Hays, (not John) born in
Ireland and died at Carlisle in 1787 - and his wife Mary Ludwig, born ca 1754 and died at Carlisle 22
January 1832. Document copies submitted to me by Mary Duggan, historian of Cumberland Chapter,
DAR.
Originators of the Irish Molly and where most of the "Current Research" is based on:
Wesley Miles, a prominent schoolteacher from Williamsport, PA, wrote his boyfriend recollections
with Molly Pitcher in 1876, 98 years after the Battle of Monmouth. He stated he knew Mary Hays
McCauley well because she was in her later years his nursemaid and served, starting in 1822 when
Wesley Miles was seven years old, as housekeeper in the home of his father in Carlisle, PA. Miles
stated several times in his recollection that Molly Pitcher was Irish.
Jeremiah Zeaner, a longtime editor of the Carlisle American Newspaper wrote in 1905 that Molly
McCauley is not the historical or moral character to hold up to young Americans for emulations in
response to the Pennsylvania State Treasury's announcement to appropriate the sum of $5000 for a
monument to the money of Molly McCauley renowned as Molly Pitcher. He questioned: "Why
expand such a sum upon her memory and nothing upon Cumberland County's real Revolutionary
war heroes?" He stated that Molly McCauley did not deserve a great mark of honor. Zeamer
described a number of negative aspects on Molly and stated the other distinguished soldiers of
Carlisle should be more deserving. Zeamer points out further in 1907, "Molly Pitcher, Story
Analyzed," a number of inaccuracies in dates and unavailable records
After making a study he wrote that it is doubtful that Molly Pitcher's maiden name was Ludwig,
When examining records he discovered that the 1783 tax lists of Carlisle list a William Hays, a
barber by occupation. In 1786 a William Hais is listed again. And in 1787 there appears a Mary HaYS,
A WIDOW. Different entries show from 1783 to October 1787, there was in Carlisle a William Hays,
occupation barber and his wife's name was Mary. However, there was no John Casper nor John or
any other Hayses in Carlisle.
Zeamer concludes that Mary Hays McCauley was married to William Hays at the time of the battle of
Monmouth. For this reason Mary Hays McCauley could not be the same person as the Mary Ludwig
who was married to John Casper Hays. He finally states "The story of Molly Pitcher's exploit at the
battle of Monmouth is pure fictio n, for there is not anywhere tje slightest corroboration of it."
Samuel Stelle Smith, a genealogy reearcher from Monmouth Beach, NJ, authored a 1972 booklet
named: "Molly Pitcher Chronology." The booklet's intention was to present evidence that the
person beneath the Molly Pitcher monument at Carlisle, PA, is incorrectly identified as Mary Ludwig
and incorrectly identified as the wife of John Casper Hays. Smith refers to Wesley Mills childhood
memories stating that Molly Pitcher was an Irish Woman and follows revisionist Jeremiah Zeamer's
writings that Mary Ludwig had been married to Casper Hays in 1769 but no Casper Hays could be
found to have participated at the battle of Monmouth. However, the search found a John Hays.
After examining Carlisle tax records from 1783, Smith found a William Hays, occupation barber,
having served in the battle of Monmouth. He established by examing Carlisle tax and court records
that William Hays was married to Mary Hays McCalla and that they had one child, John L. Hays.
Smith concludes his Chronology by suggesting to set out to the task of finding the parents of
William and Mary Hays to be achieved before 1976.
The Carlisle Historical Society published in 1989 an article "Good Bye Molly Pitcher." Written by D.
W. Thompson a past president of the Cumberland Historical Society. Genealogical research for this
article was performed by Merry Lou Schaumann, a genealogist and tourism consultant of Carlisle,
PA. The article is an attempt to evaluate previous information and prove that Mary Hayes McCauley
was not the historical Molly Pitcher. The article claims that Molly Pitcher was just a legend based on
Margaret Corbin, the heroine of the ttle of Fort Washington who was also called Molly and Captain
Molly. In correspondence, Ms. Schaumann stated to me that she worked with Samujel Stelle Smith
on Molly Pitcher research in the 1970's. She believes that the Mary Hays who is buried in Carlisle
was the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth, but her maiden name was not Ludwig. Also the US Army wives
of the artillerists at the U.S. Army War College have concurred with her research that Mary Hays was
the wife of William Hays who served at Monmouth and not John Hays who was married to Mary
Ludwig.
Constance McDonald, the wife of a U.S. Army Field Artilleryman, wrote an article in 1990 for a college
history degree in response to Thompson's and Schaumann's "Good Bye Molly Pitcher" article,
McDonald wrote: the people of Carlisle reacted unfavoraably to their tampering with a local
legend. The public of Carlisle resented the implications that what was literally engraved in stone
was wrong.
In her paper she too quotes Wesley Miles recollections that Molly Pitcher was Irish and follows
Samuel Smith's believe that Molly Pitcher was Mary HaYS. She reasoned: If the man whom Molly
Pitcher followed to war was not John Hays, then she was nbot Mary Ludwig Hays. Therefore, the
name Ludwig shouldn't be part of Molly Pitcher's fam e. She concludedm that Mary Hays McCauley
was not just a figure of folklore; she lived.
In correspondence, Ms. McDonald stated to me: "Keep in mind, historians must make educated
leaps based on probabilities and creditable resources."
During the year 2000, a boulder displaying a history corrected plaque, was dedicated next to the
Molly Pitcher monument at the Carlisle cemetery. It reads:
To my question if the information on the plaque was taken from her study, Ms. McDonald replied:
"The wording and the initiative were not mine but yes, the research is."
Other writers have copied the Irish Molly Pitcher assumptiion and added:
Because of her last name McCauley, history has called her an IRISH LASS.
Complicating matters and why history writers keep writing about the true identity of Molly Pitcher is
the confusion with the story of the Irish Margaret Corbin, also called Molly Pitcher by some. She
performed similar acts like the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth at Ft. Washington. Also Mary Ludwig and
her husbands were illiteerates who signed their names with an X. There is not much of a paper trail
to show her birth, marriage, and other pertinent information and most of Molly Pitchers belongings
were destroyed by fire at the occupation of Carlislew by the Confederates during the Civil War
when they burned the house where her grandson lived.
Among the missing proof:
There is no birthcertificate for Mary Ludwig. There is no definite placde oof birth.
There is no date and place of birth for William Hays.
There are no marriage records for Mary Hays and John McCauley.There is no birth certificate or
maiden name of the Irish Molly
Conclusion:
After examining all available information I was able to study, I fouund that the vast majority of sources state Mary Ludwig
Hays McCaulet was Molly Pitcher, the heroine of Monmouth. Website answers.com states "Mary Ludwig was married
toWilliam Hays or John Hays (modern researchers now say William). Could this mean John and William was the same
person?
Rev. C. Wing was the first to identify that Mary Ludwig was married to John Hays. Other history writers thereafter published
their own research citing their sources of information and interpreted that Mary Ludwig Hays was the heroine of Monmouth.
The Irish theory moriginated with the childhood recollections of mWesley M iles. Writtena aout a century after the battle of
Monmouth, his account is very questionable. Since Mary Ludwig was married to an Irishman and lived among the Irish. She,
most likely, could have adapted some of the Irish brogue which made her appear Irish at times but that doesn't mean she
was Irish.
In 1907, revisionist J. Zearner, highly motivated by opposing a Molly Pitcher monument,, discovered that Mary Hays
McCauley was married to William Hays, not John. He reasoned if Mary Ludwig was married to John Hays, she could not
have been married to William Hays. He concluded that the story of Molly Pitcher was pure fiction.
Later, in 1972, history writer Samuel S. Smith made an attempt to establish that the person buried beneath the monument in
Carlisle was indeed the heroine of Monmouth but had bee n incorrectly identified as Mary Ludwig. Smith, like Constance
McDonald in 1990, expanded on Zearner's information. Both concluded if Mary Ludwig was married to John Hays she could
not have been married to William Hays. Therefore, they determined that William Hays was married to another Mary (maiden
name unknown) Hays, McCauley, an Irish woman. Smith's search for the records of William and Mary Hays parents did not
result in anything.
In his Molly Pitcher Sourcebook, author Dr. David Martin offers the following commentary under Mary Ludwi Theory: "There
is no reason why Mary Ludwig could not have married a man named John Hays for her second husband (or third husband,
since Philadelphia marriage records says she was a widow when she married John Hays)."
"The second possibility is that Egle, Gilman and their followers were mistaken about Mary Hays McCauley ever being
married to John Hays. There is a strong possibility that Mary Hays McCauley's neighbors may have gotten the first named of
her first husban (William Hays) mixed up with the first name of her second husband (John McCauley) and so came up with
the name of John Hays."
Was there a John Hays and a William Hays, both from Carlisle and both barbers by occupation and both married to Mary?
Not likely.
Was Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley married to John or John Casper Hays? Tax and court records indicate that Mary Hays
McCauley was married to William Hays. Is it possible tat John an d William was the same person? And that Mary Ludwig
was the woman William was married to - as claimed by Ms. Ella Kramer Bender, a direct descendant of Mary Ludwig and
William Hays, in her genealogy document?
History writers need somethin g to write about but in the case of Molly Pitcher, instead of saving history, some are trying to
revise, change, and put their own spin on it. They are taking "educated leaps." But in what direction? So the current
research goes on. Only recently, in 2005, Carol Bekin, Prorfessor of History at Baruch College wrote in "Revolutionary
Mothers" (Knopf 2005) that Molly Pitcher never existed.
As for the "History Corrected" statement, displayed on the boulder next to the Carlisle Molly Pitcher monument. It is based
on the research of Constance McDonald. It has been called a hoax. Inquiries to a number of sources, incudin g to the
Carlisle borouigh manager to find out who had the authority to approve the placing of the plaque have been met with evasive
answers and silence - so far. Did it turn out to be an embarrassment?
Nevertheless, it is still standing. Also standing, not far from the site is a historical Molly Pitcher marker which reads: Mary
"Ludwig" Hays McCauley, known as "Molly Pitcher," heroine of the Battle of Monmouth, is buried in the Old Graveyard just
east of here. So, Carlisle now has a Mary Ludwig Molly Pitcher - and a Mary Ludwig who was not associated with Molly
Pitcher.
To the contrary of early or present revisionist's cases claiming Mary Ludwig was not the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth, there is
no clear evidence that she was not. Thet have not made a convincing case that Molly Pitcher was not born under thename
of Mary Ludwig. The early accounts still prevail. The woman born under the name Mary Ludwig was the Molly Pitcher of
Monmouth. Perhaps Jim Raleigh's hopeful prediction will clarify things once and for all when he stated: "Someday,
somewhere, documents of Molly Picture will be found.:
Siegfried Bette
Chairman, Molly Pitcher Unit
The Steuben Society of America
Reprinted with the permission of Siegfried Bette
German-American World Historical Society, Inc.
Johannes Rammund De Balliel-Lawrora
Executive Director
he knew the maiden name of Molly Pitcher. He states that Mary Ludwig was born in Mercer County,
NJ to John Ludwig, a dairyman, on October 13, 1754. She married a barber, John Casper Hays.
License issued July 24, 1769. After the death of her first husband she married George McKolly
(various spellings). Mary died January 22, 1832. Landis said he haddone some additional research
and found that Hays was John Casper Hays and that Molly Pitcher was Mary Ludwig, a young German
of origin living among the Scot Irish.
Dr. William Egle (1830 - 1909) a noted Pennsylvania genealogist and historian of the Patrick order of
the Sons of America stated that Mary Ludwig was born October 13, 1744 in Lancaster County. (note
the ten year's in birth day difference from J. Landis information). Egle further stated that Mary
Ludwig married John Hays in 1769 and that John Caspar Hays was the same person. Hays served in
Proctors first PA. Artitillery and was at the Battle of Monmouth in Col. W. Irvine's 7thRegiment.
Historian Rev. C. Wing stated in a letter to the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,
written in 1878: "The original name before the marriage was Mary Ludwig, so recorded in the family
bible. Her husband was John Hays, a barber, and a sergeant in a company of artillery. " Wing
statesa that Mary Hays McCauley of Carlisle, born in Trenton, NJ was the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth
fame. Wing also states that Mary was probably born in Germany. She had a son who was born in
Trenton. One of his daughters unveiled the Molly Pitcher monument in Carlisle.
William Styker (1838 - 1900) A HISTORY Writer and soldier during the Civil War, later Brigadier
General, wrote in his book: The Battle of Monmouth "Mary Ludwig was the daughter of John George
Ludwig. On July 24, 1769 she married John Caspar Hays, a barber of Carlisle, PA. Hays served in
Captain John Alexander's Company of Colonel William Irvine's Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment at
Monmouth. Molly Hays followed her husband i n the war, When John Hays was wounded at the gun
she took his place and performed some act of unusual heroism. After the death of Hays and after
the war Molly Hayes married John McCauley. Stryker confirms that Mary Hays McCauley was the
Molly Pitcher who fought at Monmouth.
History writer Rev. J.A. Murray stated in an article in the 1883 Carlisle Volunteer: John Hays was the
husband of Mary Ludwig: Mary Hays McCauley's son John L. Hays middle initial "L" stood for Ludwig
after his maternal grandfather. Granddaughter: Polly McCleester (various spellings) has said whe
was particularly angry at those who stated her Grandmother was Irish. She insisted that "she was a
Dutch as Sauer Kraut, and her name was Mary Ludwig." Rev. Murray made an exhaustive
investigation with personal interviews with many who were acquainted with the heroine.
Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Professor of Germa American Studies at the University of Cincinnati
wrote an article in the 2005 July/August issue of the Steuben News; Molly Pitcher (Maria Ludwig
Hayes): A Pennsylvania German Revolutionary War Heroine, stating that he edited a book in 1992 by
Henry Melchior Richards dealing with the role played by German - Americans in the American
Revolution. Richard's book first appeared in 1908. It deals with the pre 1800 period. Excerpts cite
a description of Maria Ludwig, married to John Casper Hayes and her actions at the Battle of
Monmouth. According to Richards: "Molly Pitcher, the female gunner at the Battle of Monmouth,
about whom so much has been said and written, was a pure-blooded Penn sylvania German."
Also, the Monument that was erected to honor Molly Pitcher caused a great deal of interest that led
to an article about her by H.A. Rattermann, a well known German-American historian. He
corresponded in 1876 with Molly Pitcher's granddaughter and published an article that published
her heritage. Rattermann noted that her husband was also German and that Hays was the
anglicized version of either "Heis" or "Hess."
Dr. Tolzmann noted to me: "Since he (Rattermann) worked with her (Molly Pitcher's granddaughter)
for the completion of his article, I would say that it is a direct primary\reference that can not be
ignored."
Alan Smith of Pittsburgh, PA has personally told me he is a fifth generation of Molly Pitcher and her
name was Mary Ludwig.
Ella Kramer Bender 1924-2002 of Carlisle, PA, a member of the DAR, was a direct descendent of Mary
Hays Ludwig McCalla (McColly, McKolly) "Molly Pitcher". In her membership application to the DAR
she lists in her genealogy that she was a lineal descendent of William Hays, (not John) born in
Ireland and died at Carlisle in 1787 - and his wife Mary Ludwig, born ca 1754 and died at Carlisle 22
January 1832. Document copies submitted to me by Mary Duggan, historian of Cumberland Chapter,
DAR.
Originators of the Irish Molly and where most of the "Current Research" is based on:
Wesley Miles, a prominent schoolteacher from Williamsport, PA, wrote his boyfriend recollections
with Molly Pitcher in 1876, 98 years after the Battle of Monmouth. He stated he knew Mary Hays
McCauley well because she was in her later years his nursemaid and served, starting in 1822 when
Wesley Miles was seven years old, as housekeeper in the home of his father in Carlisle, PA. Miles
stated several times in his recollection that Molly Pitcher was Irish.
Jeremiah Zeaner, a longtime editor of the Carlisle American Newspaper wrote in 1905 that Molly
McCauley is not the historical or moral character to hold up to young Americans for emulations in
response to the Pennsylvania State Treasury's announcement to appropriate the sum of $5000 for a
monument to the money of Molly McCauley renowned as Molly Pitcher. He questioned: "Why
expand such a sum upon her memory and nothing upon Cumberland County's real Revolutionary
war heroes?" He stated that Molly McCauley did not deserve a great mark of honor. Zeamer
described a number of negative aspects on Molly and stated the other distinguished soldiers of
Carlisle should be more deserving. Zeamer points out further in 1907, "Molly Pitcher, Story
Analyzed," a number of inaccuracies in dates and unavailable records
After making a study he wrote that it is doubtful that Molly Pitcher's maiden name was Ludwig,
When examining records he discovered that the 1783 tax lists of Carlisle list a William Hays, a
barber by occupation. In 1786 a William Hais is listed again. And in 1787 there appears a Mary HaYS,
A WIDOW. Different entries show from 1783 to October 1787, there was in Carlisle a William Hays,
occupation barber and his wife's name was Mary. However, there was no John Casper nor John or
any other Hayses in Carlisle.
Zeamer concludes that Mary Hays McCauley was married to William Hays at the time of the battle of
Monmouth. For this reason Mary Hays McCauley could not be the same person as the Mary Ludwig
who was married to John Casper Hays. He finally states "The story of Molly Pitcher's exploit at the
battle of Monmouth is pure fictio n, for there is not anywhere tje slightest corroboration of it."
Samuel Stelle Smith, a genealogy reearcher from Monmouth Beach, NJ, authored a 1972 booklet
named: "Molly Pitcher Chronology." The booklet's intention was to present evidence that the
person beneath the Molly Pitcher monument at Carlisle, PA, is incorrectly identified as Mary Ludwig
and incorrectly identified as the wife of John Casper Hays. Smith refers to Wesley Mills childhood
memories stating that Molly Pitcher was an Irish Woman and follows revisionist Jeremiah Zeamer's
writings that Mary Ludwig had been married to Casper Hays in 1769 but no Casper Hays could be
found to have participated at the battle of Monmouth. However, the search found a John Hays.
After examining Carlisle tax records from 1783, Smith found a William Hays, occupation barber,
having served in the battle of Monmouth. He established by examing Carlisle tax and court records
that William Hays was married to Mary Hays McCalla and that they had one child, John L. Hays.
Smith concludes his Chronology by suggesting to set out to the task of finding the parents of
William and Mary Hays to be achieved before 1976.
The Carlisle Historical Society published in 1989 an article "Good Bye Molly Pitcher." Written by D.
W. Thompson a past president of the Cumberland Historical Society. Genealogical research for this
article was performed by Merry Lou Schaumann, a genealogist and tourism consultant of Carlisle,
PA. The article is an attempt to evaluate previous information and prove that Mary Hayes McCauley
was not the historical Molly Pitcher. The article claims that Molly Pitcher was just a legend based on
Margaret Corbin, the heroine of the ttle of Fort Washington who was also called Molly and Captain
Molly. In correspondence, Ms. Schaumann stated to me that she worked with Samujel Stelle Smith
on Molly Pitcher research in the 1970's. She believes that the Mary Hays who is buried in Carlisle
was the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth, but her maiden name was not Ludwig. Also the US Army wives
of the artillerists at the U.S. Army War College have concurred with her research that Mary Hays was
the wife of William Hays who served at Monmouth and not John Hays who was married to Mary
Ludwig.
Constance McDonald, the wife of a U.S. Army Field Artilleryman, wrote an article in 1990 for a college
history degree in response to Thompson's and Schaumann's "Good Bye Molly Pitcher" article,
McDonald wrote: the people of Carlisle reacted unfavoraably to their tampering with a local
legend. The public of Carlisle resented the implications that what was literally engraved in stone
was wrong.
In her paper she too quotes Wesley Miles recollections that Molly Pitcher was Irish and follows
Samuel Smith's believe that Molly Pitcher was Mary HaYS. She reasoned: If the man whom Molly
Pitcher followed to war was not John Hays, then she was nbot Mary Ludwig Hays. Therefore, the
name Ludwig shouldn't be part of Molly Pitcher's fam e. She concludedm that Mary Hays McCauley
was not just a figure of folklore; she lived.
In correspondence, Ms. McDonald stated to me: "Keep in mind, historians must make educated
leaps based on probabilities and creditable resources."
During the year 2000, a boulder displaying a history corrected plaque, was dedicated next to the
Molly Pitcher monument at the Carlisle cemetery. It reads:
To my question if the information on the plaque was taken from her study, Ms. McDonald replied:
"The wording and the initiative were not mine but yes, the research is."
Other writers have copied the Irish Molly Pitcher assumptiion and added:
Because of her last name McCauley, history has called her an IRISH LASS.
Complicating matters and why history writers keep writing about the true identity of Molly Pitcher is
the confusion with the story of the Irish Margaret Corbin, also called Molly Pitcher by some. She
performed similar acts like the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth at Ft. Washington. Also Mary Ludwig and
her husbands were illiteerates who signed their names with an X. There is not much of a paper trail
to show her birth, marriage, and other pertinent information and most of Molly Pitchers belongings
were destroyed by fire at the occupation of Carlislew by the Confederates during the Civil War
when they burned the house where her grandson lived.
Among the missing proof:
There is no birthcertificate for Mary Ludwig. There is no definite placde oof birth.
There is no date and place of birth for William Hays.
There are no marriage records for Mary Hays and John McCauley.There is no birth certificate or
maiden name of the Irish Molly
Conclusion:
After examining all available information I was able to study, I fouund that the vast majority of sources state Mary Ludwig
Hays McCaulet was Molly Pitcher, the heroine of Monmouth. Website answers.com states "Mary Ludwig was married
toWilliam Hays or John Hays (modern researchers now say William). Could this mean John and William was the same
person?
Rev. C. Wing was the first to identify that Mary Ludwig was married to John Hays. Other history writers thereafter published
their own research citing their sources of information and interpreted that Mary Ludwig Hays was the heroine of Monmouth.
The Irish theory moriginated with the childhood recollections of mWesley M iles. Writtena aout a century after the battle of
Monmouth, his account is very questionable. Since Mary Ludwig was married to an Irishman and lived among the Irish. She,
most likely, could have adapted some of the Irish brogue which made her appear Irish at times but that doesn't mean she
was Irish.
In 1907, revisionist J. Zearner, highly motivated by opposing a Molly Pitcher monument,, discovered that Mary Hays
McCauley was married to William Hays, not John. He reasoned if Mary Ludwig was married to John Hays, she could not
have been married to William Hays. He concluded that the story of Molly Pitcher was pure fiction.
Later, in 1972, history writer Samuel S. Smith made an attempt to establish that the person buried beneath the monument in
Carlisle was indeed the heroine of Monmouth but had bee n incorrectly identified as Mary Ludwig. Smith, like Constance
McDonald in 1990, expanded on Zearner's information. Both concluded if Mary Ludwig was married to John Hays she could
not have been married to William Hays. Therefore, they determined that William Hays was married to another Mary (maiden
name unknown) Hays, McCauley, an Irish woman. Smith's search for the records of William and Mary Hays parents did not
result in anything.
In his Molly Pitcher Sourcebook, author Dr. David Martin offers the following commentary under Mary Ludwi Theory: "There
is no reason why Mary Ludwig could not have married a man named John Hays for her second husband (or third husband,
since Philadelphia marriage records says she was a widow when she married John Hays)."
"The second possibility is that Egle, Gilman and their followers were mistaken about Mary Hays McCauley ever being
married to John Hays. There is a strong possibility that Mary Hays McCauley's neighbors may have gotten the first named of
her first husban (William Hays) mixed up with the first name of her second husband (John McCauley) and so came up with
the name of John Hays."
Was there a John Hays and a William Hays, both from Carlisle and both barbers by occupation and both married to Mary?
Not likely.
Was Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley married to John or John Casper Hays? Tax and court records indicate that Mary Hays
McCauley was married to William Hays. Is it possible tat John an d William was the same person? And that Mary Ludwig
was the woman William was married to - as claimed by Ms. Ella Kramer Bender, a direct descendant of Mary Ludwig and
William Hays, in her genealogy document?
History writers need somethin g to write about but in the case of Molly Pitcher, instead of saving history, some are trying to
revise, change, and put their own spin on it. They are taking "educated leaps." But in what direction? So the current
research goes on. Only recently, in 2005, Carol Bekin, Prorfessor of History at Baruch College wrote in "Revolutionary
Mothers" (Knopf 2005) that Molly Pitcher never existed.
As for the "History Corrected" statement, displayed on the boulder next to the Carlisle Molly Pitcher monument. It is based
on the research of Constance McDonald. It has been called a hoax. Inquiries to a number of sources, incudin g to the
Carlisle borouigh manager to find out who had the authority to approve the placing of the plaque have been met with evasive
answers and silence - so far. Did it turn out to be an embarrassment?
Nevertheless, it is still standing. Also standing, not far from the site is a historical Molly Pitcher marker which reads: Mary
"Ludwig" Hays McCauley, known as "Molly Pitcher," heroine of the Battle of Monmouth, is buried in the Old Graveyard just
east of here. So, Carlisle now has a Mary Ludwig Molly Pitcher - and a Mary Ludwig who was not associated with Molly
Pitcher.
To the contrary of early or present revisionist's cases claiming Mary Ludwig was not the Molly Pitcher of Monmouth, there is
no clear evidence that she was not. Thet have not made a convincing case that Molly Pitcher was not born under thename
of Mary Ludwig. The early accounts still prevail. The woman born under the name Mary Ludwig was the Molly Pitcher of
Monmouth. Perhaps Jim Raleigh's hopeful prediction will clarify things once and for all when he stated: "Someday,
somewhere, documents of Molly Picture will be found.:
Siegfried Bette
Chairman, Molly Pitcher Unit
The Steuben Society of America
Reprinted with the permission of Siegfried Bette
German-American World Historical Society, Inc.
Johannes Rammund De Balliel-Lawrora
Executive Director
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