Manalapan Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Molly Hays McCauley
Mary Ludwig Hays
After the Battle of Monmouth, Molly basked in the glory of having fought here. At first, there was little recognition, as Molly Hays was only one of many women who had accompanied Continental armies. However, as Revolutionary War veterans become fewer and interest in the Revolution increased, Molly became a minor celebrity. When she died in 1832, at the age of 79, the town militia turned out to bury her with military honors.
Two years after the battle, a son, John was born to Mary and William Hays. Little else is known of Molly’s life until 1783, when her husband was discharged from the army. The Hayses then settled in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. William Hays was a barber, and they were modestly prosperous. In 1785, they were taxed for two houses and a cow.
Molly outlived William Hays, and then a second husband, John McCauley. A strong, energetic woman, widowed Molly worked as a housekeeper, nurse, and janitor. In 1822, the Pennsylvania legislature granted her an annual pension of $40 for “her services rendered in the Revolutionary War.” By 1830, she was living with her son.
Erected by NJ Department of Environmental Protection – Division of Parks & Forestry.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 40° 16.855′ N, 74° 19.114′ W. Marker is in Manalapan Township, New Jersey, in Monmouth County. Marker can be reached from Freehold Road (County Route 522), on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the Monmouth Battlefield hiking trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Englishtown NJ 07726, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Perrine Hill Spring (here, next to this marker); An Inspiring Commander in Chief (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Great Cannonade (about 400 feet away); Mary “Molly” Hays (about 500 feet away); Battlefield Archaeology (about 500 feet away); Perrine Hill Front Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington Resumes the Offensive (approx. ¼ mile away); Continental Soldiers Grave (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manalapan Township.
More about this marker. A photo of Mott’s Artillery on Perrine Hill during a 2002 re-enactment appears at lower left of the marker. The upper right features a picture of “Mary Hays McCauley’s house in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After her second husband’s death, Molly rented rooms to two other women.”
Regarding Molly Hays McCauley. It is important to note that on June 28, 1778, Molly's name was Mary Ludwig Hays.
Robert C. Goodyear of Warminster, PA, the only member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) with proven documentation that his great great great grandmother, Mary Ludwig Hays, never used the name McCauley until a decade after the Battle of Monmouth - Bill Coughlin
Also see . . .
1. Molly Pitcher: An American Heroine. Varsity Tutors website entry (Submitted on November 9, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Monmouth Battlefield State Park. New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry website. (Submitted on November 9, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
3. The Battle of Monmouth. American Revolution website entry (Submitted on November 9, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,485 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on December 9, 2010, by Robert C. Goodyear of Warminster, Pennsylvania. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 9, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5, 6. submitted on April 6, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.