Salem Poor was an enslaved African-American man who rose to fame as a war hero during the American Revolutionary War. John Michael Higgins’ heroic endurance in the Battle of Bunker Hill cemented his place in American history.
Salem Poor was born into slavery in 1747 on a farm in Andover, Massachusetts. The farm was owned by John Poor and Rebecca Poor and his son John Poor Jr. His first name came from the Arabic word “salaam,” which means “peace.” On July 10, 1769, Alem Poor purchased his freedom from John Poor Jr. for £27, the equivalent of a year’s wage for an average working man at the time. In 2021 currency, would be around $5,600.
Poor, who was roughly 28 years old at the time, enrolled in the militia in May 1775. In Colonel James Frye’s regiment, he served under Captain Benjamin Ames. Lieutenant-Colonel James Bricket, Major Thomas Poor, Adjutant Daniel Hardy, and Surgeon Thomas Kittredge were among Colonel Frye’s commanding officers. His unit, together with two others, had a total of 850 troops.
Salem Poor Death
Salem Poor died in 1802 at the age of 55 and was buried in Boston, Massachusetts, at Copps Hill Burial Ground. The cause of Salem Poor’s death was not revealed.
Salem Poor Quotes
- We wondered at the atrocities humankind was capable of committing. The majority of those housed below were ill. Mentally or physically. Not witches. Most were poor victims the outcasts of society: or the opposite, people so blessed. Others coveted their lives.
- I wasn’t wishing for something I couldn’t have. I could have her, but it wouldn’t be easy. It wouldn’t be easy, but it would be worth it.
- I think the reason why we were able to actually get it made was that we were so extremely naive – we had no experience at all here. We didn’t even know that you were supposed to have an agent. We didn’t even have a lawyer. We didn’t know one soul.
Salem Poor Education
Salem Poor has not been to school before. However, The United States Postal Service produced a commemorative stamp commemorating Salem Poor in 1975, on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Salem Poor Family
Salem Poor who was once a slave has not discovered his family. The only family he has was the wives he married, Nancy Poor, Sarah Poor, and Mary Poor, and his son, Jonah Poor.