Captain Molly Corbin Chapter   Grapevine, Texas

N A T I O N A L      S O C I E T Y

Daughters of the American Revolution

Captain Molly Corbin Chapter
Organized July 7, 2003  

For Information on Joining This Chapter Email Deborah Kay Fluitt

History

Captain Molly Corbin, who was born Margaret Cochran on November 12, 1751 in Pennsylvania, was the daughter of Robert Cochran. In 1772, she married John Corbin, a native of Virginia. Soon after the beginning of the Revolutionary War, John Corbin enlisted in the Pennsylvania artillery.

On November 16, 1776, Corbin’s artillery company was at Fort Washington, New York City when it was attacked by the British. After her husband was killed during the battle, Margaret Corbin heroically filled his post and fired the cannon in his place. In recognition of this heroic deed, she became the first woman to receive a pension, half the monthly pay of a soldier, from the United States.  

Known as “Captain Molly Corbin” she was also the first woman, fighting as a soldier, who was wounded in action in the Revolutionary War. She is listed in the records of the Invalid Regiment of West Point, as “Captain Molly.” In 1800, at the age of 49, Captain Molly died. She was buried about 3 miles from West Point in the highlands above the Hudson River with a cedar tree marking her grave. On April 14, 1926, the remains of Captain Molly Corbin were re-interred at the Military Academy Cemetery at West Point, New York  with full military honors.

Captain Molly Corbin Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month from September through May at 7:00 pm.