Peter Salem facts for kids

Peter Salem (born October 1, 1750 – died August 16, 1816) was an African-American soldier from Massachusetts. He played an important role in the American Revolutionary War. Peter was born at a time when many people were not free. He was later given his freedom by Major Lawson Buckminster. This allowed him to join the local army.

Peter Salem then became a soldier in the Continental Army. He served for almost five years during the war. After the war, he got married and worked as a cane weaver. A special monument was placed at his grave in Framingham in the late 1800s to honor him.

Peter Salem: A Revolutionary War Hero

Early Life and Freedom

Peter Salem by Walter J. Williams, Jr.

Peter Salem was born on October 1, 1750. His mother was not free and lived in Framingham, Massachusetts. At first, Peter was owned by Jeremiah Belknap. Later, his ownership was transferred to Major Lawson Buckminster.

In 1775, Major Buckminster became an officer in the Continental Army. He decided to free Peter Salem. This freedom allowed Peter to join the Massachusetts army, known as the militia. Soon after, the American Revolutionary War began.

Peter's last name, Salem, might have come from his first owner, Belknap. Belknap may have named him after Salem, Massachusetts, where he once lived. Another idea is that his name comes from the Arabic word "salaam," which means peace.

Joining the Fight for Independence

Peter Salem was involved in some of the very first battles of the war. He fought at Concord on April 19, 1775. Records show he served for four days with Captain Simon Edgell's company from Framingham. Just five days later, on April 24, he joined Captain Drury's company. This company was part of Colonel John Nixon's 6th Massachusetts Regiment.

The Battle of Bunker Hill

depiction of Salem shooting Major Pitcairn

Peter Salem fought bravely with his company in the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. Some historical accounts say that Salem shot and seriously injured a British officer named John Pitcairn. Pitcairn later died from this injury. However, some historians disagree about this specific detail.

About twelve other African Americans who were free also fought in this battle. These brave soldiers included Barzillai Lew, Salem Poor, Titus Coburn, Alexander Ames, Cato Howe, and Seymour Burr.

Continuing His Service

Peter Salem signed up to serve again for another year on January 1, 1776. He joined the 4th Continental Regiment. After that, he signed up for three more years. This time, he was part of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment under Colonel Thomas Nixon. Colonel Thomas Nixon was the brother of Colonel John Nixon.

Peter Salem was honorably released from service on December 31, 1779. He had served for a total of four years and eight months. It seems he extended his service for two more months. He served with Captain Claye's Company from January 1 to March 1, 1780.

Peter Salem also fought in other important battles. These included the Battle of Saratoga and the Battle of Stony Point.

Life After the War

After the war, Peter Salem lived a quiet life. He married Katy Benson in Salem, Massachusetts, in September 1783. Later, he built a small home near Leicester. There, he worked making things from cane.

Peter Salem passed away on August 16, 1816, when he was 65 years old. He was buried in the Old Burying Ground in Framingham. In 1882, the town spent money to put up a monument to remember him. For many years, the Freedman's Bank of Boston honored Peter Salem. They printed his picture on their bank notes.

Remembering Peter Salem

For a while, people thought Peter Salem was shown in a famous painting. This painting is called The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17, 1775 by John Trumbull. Today, experts have different ideas about this. Some believe he is in the painting, while others say the African American figure shown is not Peter Salem.

Peter Salem is also a character in the 2015 TV show Sons of Liberty. He is played by the British actor Jimmy Akingbola.

See also

In Spanish: Peter Salem para niños