Edward “Ned” Hector — The Soldier Who Refused to Abandon His Cannon 

Artilleryman • Continental Soldier • Revolutionary War Veteran

These three images connect Edward “Ned” Hector to the battlefield, the artillery he served with, and the way his service is remembered today. The historical marker identifies Hector and preserves the remarkable story of his actions at Brandywine, while the surviving artillery pieces evoke the weapons and ammunition he was responsible for protecting. The living-history portrayal brings that otherwise poorly documented soldier back into public view, giving a face to a man for whom no known portrait exists. Together, the images represent a soldier whose wartime record survives in fragments, yet whose courage was remembered strongly enough to become part of the historical record. His story begins with an artilleryman who chose to protect his equipment and his fellow soldiers even as the American army retreated.

Overview:

Edward Hector (1744 - 1834) also known as “Ned” Hector served as a soldier in the American Revolution. He fought in important battles, including the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of Germantown. Hector served as a bombardier in an artillery unit, helping manage weapons and supplies. At Brandywine, he showed great bravery. When ordered to retreat and leave equipment behind, he stayed, gathered abandoned weapons, and safely removed his wagon before the British could take it. His actions protected important supplies for the American army. After the war, Hector lived in Pennsylvania and worked to support himself. Though records about him are limited, his story shows that Black soldiers played active and important roles in the fight for our national independence. 

Quick Facts:

• Born around 1744

• African American hero in the Revolutionary War

• Served as a bombardier in an artillery unit

• Fought in the Battle of Brandywine and Germantown

• Known for saving weapons and supplies at Brandywine

• Lived in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania after the war

• Petitioned for a pension multiple times

• Received a small payment shortly before his death

• Died in 1834 at about 90 years old

• Remembered as a symbol of many overlooked Black soldiers

Why This Story Matters:

Edward Hector matters because his actions show courage and responsibility during a critical moment in the war. While others were told to leave supplies behind, he chose to protect them, helping the American army avoid greater loss. His story also shows how Black soldiers served in skilled and trusted roles, not just as laborers. At the same time, Hector’s life after the war reveals the challenges Black veterans faced. He had to fight for recognition and a pension, even after risking his life. His experience helps us understand both the contributions of Black soldiers and the unequal treatment they often received. Learning about Hector gives a fuller and more honest picture of the Revolutionary War. 

Legacy:

Edward Hector’s legacy is one of quiet bravery and persistence. He carried out his duties with courage, even when facing danger. His actions helped protect valuable resources for the American army. Yet after the war, he struggled to receive recognition and support. His life reflects the gap between service and reward that many Black veterans experienced. Today, Hector is remembered as a symbol of the many Black soldiers whose contributions were not fully recorded. His story encourages us to look more closely at history and recognize the people who made a difference, even when their names are not widely known.

Discussion Questions:

1. Edward Hector was trusted with important equipment during battle. What does this suggest about the roles Black soldiers were capable of, even if those roles were not always recognized later?

2. If Edward Hector could speak to students today, what lessons do you think he would want them to learn from his life? 

3. If Edward Hector’s actions had been widely taught and celebrated from the beginning, how might that change the way people understand who contributed to American independence?

Reflection Prompt:

1. Edward Hector risked his life to protect supplies that helped the American army, yet he had to struggle later just to be recognized. What does this difference between his actions during the war and his treatment afterward reveal about how the country valued Black service—should that impact the way history is taught today?  Please explain.

Sources & Further Reading:

1. “Edward Hector.” Historical Negro Biographies. Encyclopedia entry. The International Library of Negro History and Life. 1969. Page 23.

2. “Cannons at Artillery Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania.” Photograph. Carol M. Highsmith. Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress. 

3. “Noah Lewis Portraying Edward ‘Ned’ Hector.” Photograph. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. 

4. “Roll of Capt. Hercules Courtenay’s Company, Third Company of Pennsylvania Artillery.” Muster Roll. March 10, 1777. In Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, edited by John B. Linn and William H. Egle, published under direction of Matthew S. Quay, Secretary of the Commonwealth. Published archival reproduction of Revolutionary War military records, late 19th century. Composite image created from pages 207–208. 

5. NOTE:  

Special acknowledgment is extended to living historian Mr. Noah Lewis for his dedication to preserving and sharing the story of Edward Hector through historical interpretation and public education. We are grateful for the use of his portrayal image in support of this educational project honoring Black History and Revolutionary War service. To learn more about Mr. Lewis and his work portraying Edward Hector, visit: https://nedhector.com/ 

Page Navigation:

<Previous    To Revolutionary War Index       Next Profile>