From Public Opinion Online.com: Historical marker honors 'Capt. Molly'
In honor of its 50th anniversary, a marker remembering Margaret Cochran Corbin was rededicated and unveiled Sunday along U.S. 11.
"Captain Molly" Cochran Corbin was born in Franklin County and followed her husband to war in 1776 before becoming the first woman pensioner.
Margaret was the epitome of women in the Army and the Daughter's of the American Revolution's motto of "God, home and country," said Col. Cheri Provancha, commander at Letterkenny Army Depot.
"In remembering the past, we honor the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and future," said Gail Runshaw, chapter regent of the Franklin County DAR chapter.
With "grateful recognition," a wreath was placed at the marker and a prayer said by Judy Grenawalt, chaplain of the Franklin County DAR chapter.
The marker names Margaret as a "heroine of the Revolution" and gives a brief history of her life and contributions during the American Revolution.
Sunday's ceremony began at Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church where guests learned about local history and the war service of Margaret.
"God's plan for Margaret was one challenge after another challenge," Provancha said.
Born in 1751 in Franklin County, Margaret and her brother were orphaned when she was five after Native Americans attacked their home, killed her father and kidnapped her mother.
Margaret and her brother grew up with an uncle and she married John Corbin at the age of 21, Provancha said.
In 1776, when John joined the army, Margaret went with him and followed around helping out the troops, she said.
"Where else would Margaret be? She believed in God. She believed in home. She believed in country," Provancha said.
During the battle of Fort Washington in New York, Margaret worked alongside John and about 600 soldiers.
John was killed during the battle, but Margaret didn't stop. She stepped into his place cleaning, loading and firing the cannon, Provancha said.
She became the first woman soldier in the Army and was recognized for her aim and accuracy, she said.
During the battle, she was severely wounded. Although she recovered, her left arm was completely disabled and her face disfigured, Provancha said.
In June 1779, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court granted Margaret $30 to cover her current needs. The next month, Congress' Board of War granted Margaret half the monthly pay of a soldier and a new set of clothes, she said.
Margaret became the first woman in the United States to receive a veteran's pension, Provancha said.
