Edward "Ned" Hector

Edward "Ned" Hector was born a free black about 1744.  The African-American patriot was famous for his role in the Battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777, in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. 

A private in the 3rd Pennsylvania Artillery Regiment under Captain Hercules Courtenay, Hector started his service on March 10, 1777. He was noted for his courage during the retreat from the battle when he refused to let his team and wagon fall into enemy hands. "The enemy shall not have my team! I will save the horses or perish myself!" he was quoted as saying.

Ned Hector lived in a cabin in Conshohocken.  He fought to receive a pension for his wartime service and was granted a one-time "gratuity" of $40.

He died died at the age of 90 on January 3, 1834.  His memory lived on, however, in the name "Hector Street" in the borough of Conshohocken.

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Left: Noah Lewis as Ned Hector at Chadds Ford Days. Lewis presents programs on the life of Ned Hector to schools in the Philadelphia area.

Links: Battle of Brandywine