06/17/2026
On this 251st anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, we honor Salem Poor, a former slave and courageous Minuteman from Andover, MA.
On July 10, 1769, Salem Poor legally purchased his freedom from his owner, John Poor Jr., for 27 pounds. The deed for his freedom is on record with the Southern Essex Registry of Deeds in Book 130, page 26.
His bravery in the Revolutionary War earned him widespread recognition. In June 1775, Poor enlisted with Colonel Frye's regiment. During the Battle of Bunker Hill, Poor is credited with killing British Lieutenant Colonel James Abercrombie and other British soldiers.