Lew Wallace Chapter, NSDAR

09/11/2026

06/28/2026

Molly Pitcher

Molly Pitcher is the nickname given to any one of several women who fought in battles off the American Revolutionary war. One women who may have inspired the name was Mary Ludwig Hays McAuley. Born around 1753, although the exact date and location of her birth is unknown. It is thought she was born either in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. She married William Hays likely while she was still a teenager. When her husband William joined the Pennsylvania Artillery which 1777 became part of the 4th Continental Artillery and George Washington’s Main Army. Like many young wives Mary joined her husband as a “camp follower.” She would have assisted in camp chores, such as food preparation and washing. Although her exact whereabout at any given time are unknown, it is likely she was near the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and likely spent the brutal winter in Valley Forge.
In June 1778 Mary was at the Battle of Monmouth. One of the longest sustained combat of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Monmouth also saw the the largest field artillery duel of any battle in the war. The June heat was intense, and Mary could be seen bringing water from a nearby spring to the men in battle. This is likely where the name Molly Pitcher was conjured. When her husband was either wounded or incapacitated during the battle, ledged says that Mary took his place loading and swabbing the cannons. The Continental army was able to fend of Henry Clinton’s British forces, an important victory for Washington’s Army.

Mary Ludwig Hays McAuley is recognized as an American Patriot by the DAR
To learn more about Mary Hays McAuley visit the American Battlefield Trust at https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/molly-pitcher-and-battle-monmouth

Or listen to the DAR podcast about Mary at
https://www.dar.org/national-society/american-spirit-magazine/our-patriots-dar-podcast

06/21/2026

According to John Hopkins Medical Center yoga offers several health benefits for women such as
1. Improve strength balance and flexibility
2. Relieving back pain
3. Ease arthritis symptoms
4. Improve Heart Health
5. Improves sleep
6. Increase energy and brighten moods
7. Manage stress

Yoga can be done at home and even in a chair. Try it out today.

05/28/2026

Join us for a panel discussion of New Mexico's role in the American Revolution. Go to https://www.lewwallacedar.org/america250event for more information.

05/28/2026

Join us June 6th at the Main Library in Albuquerque for a panel discussion on New Mexico's role in the American Revolution. Go to https://www.lewwallacedar.org/america250event for more info .

04/26/2026

At the age of 16 Sybil Ludington made a midnight ride every bit as important to the war effort as Paul Revere, but not as well known. Her story starts on April 5 1761 when she was born in Fredericksburg NY to Colonel Henry Ludington and Mary Knowles. In 1777 the militia under her father’s command had disbanded for the planting season. Upon learning the British were on the move towards Danbury Connecticut where the Continental Army’s supply station was located, the word to assemble needed to be spread far and wide to muster the forces to counter the advance. Starting after 9 PM in the midst of a storm with heavy rain, Sybil rode all night long from farm to farm calling for the men to assemble at the Ludington home by daybreak. She rode tirelessly through the elements, calling out “The British are burning Danbury” and pounding on doors and shutters with sticks as she rode by. Returning at daybreak, she was soaked through and exhausted, but she had completed her mission riding over 40 miles that night. The mustered troops were not able to save Danbury but their efforts the following day the Battle of Ridgefield where they joined with other regiments of the Continental Army stopped the British advancement. For her efforts she received thanks from many neighbors and the General of the Continental Army George Washington. She went on to marry Edmond Ogden and had one son, named Henry. She was honored during the Bicentennial with a postage stamp. A statue was erected in her honor near Lake Gleneida near present day Carmel NY.