By: Leon Kwasi Kuntuo-Asare
Early Life and Slavery
Salem Poor was born into the brutal world of slavery around 1747 in Andover, Massachusetts. However, on July 21, 1774, he was able to buy his freedom from his enslavers for £27, a lot of money at the time, especially for an enslaved Black person. The fact that he emancipated himself demonstrates his strong desire for freedom and liberty, a desire that would soon align with the burgeoning revolutionary spirit in the American original thirteen colonies.
Revolutionary War Hero
When the cry for freedom transformed into a war cry, at the start of the American Revolution, Poor would eagerly answer that call to arms. Poor would enlist in a local militia (Andover Company), and served under Captain Benjamin Ames and later served in Colonel Frye’s regiment. During his military career, Poor served valiantly in several crucial battles, including:
The Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775):
In the Battle of Bunker Hill, Salem Poor truly distinguished himself as a soldier, despite being a tactical defeat for the Americans, The battle demonstrated the American colonists’ ability to stand against the mighty British imperial army. Poor fought so bravely during the battle that fourteen officers, including his commanding officer, Colonel Frye, petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts to recognize his bravery.
Their petition, dated December 21, 1775, stated that:
“a Negro man named Salem Poor of Col. Frye’s Regiment behaved like an experienced officer, as well as a brave soldier.”
Poor’s fellow soldiers, specifically credited him with killing British Lieutenant Colonel James Abercrombie, a significant blow to the British forces.
The Battle of White Plains (October 28, 1776):
After the Battle of Bunker Hill, Poor continued his service, and he participated in the defense of New York. The Battle of White Plains was another conflict where American forces, including Poor, faced off against the British and their mercenary Hessian (German) troops.
The Battle of Princeton (January 3, 1777):
Poor was present at the Battle of Princeton, a very important victory for George Washington’s Continental Army that boosted American morale after a series of defeats to their former colonial masters.
The Battle of Saratoga (September – October 1777):
The Battle of Saratoga was a decisive victory for America that helped convince France to openly support the American cause. Salem Poor was among the ranks of the American patriots.
Later In Life
There is not much information on Salem Poor after the American Revolution. Records suggest he married, and like many veterans, likely faced the challenges of rebuilding his life after the war. It is believed that he struggled financially at times, a common plight for many who served in the Continental Army and were often paid in depreciated currency or land warrants that were difficult to redeem. It is believed that Poor likely died around 1802, though the exact date and circumstances remain unconfirmed.
His Legacy
Poor stands as a powerful symbol of the crucial role that Black Americans played in securing America’s independence from the British Empire. The petition from his commanding officers after Bunker Hill is a rare and significant document. It provides direct, contemporary evidence of an African American soldier’s exceptional bravery and skill, defying racial prejudices of the time and highlighting his individual merit. Poor’s journey from a slave, to a free man, to a decorated soldier in a war for liberty emphasizes the inherent contradiction of fighting for freedom for a country that still upholds the institution of slavery for the people of his race. Contradiction or not, Poor legacy still represents the countless unsung heroes who fought for a better future, reminding America that Black people have always fought for freedom in this country, from the American Revolution, to the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, to today.
For Additional Information And Sources, Use Links Below:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_Poor
https://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/fff-salem-poor
https://www.nps.gov/people/salem-poor.htm
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/salem-poor/
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