Date of Birth: October 17, 1711
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: 1806
Biography
Jupiter Hammon was an African American poet and a figure of significant historical importance. Born into slavery on October 17, 1711, in Lloyd Harbor, New York, Hammon spent his life within the context of enslavement but managed to achieve a remarkable literary legacy. He is considered the first African American published writer in the United States, with his first work, “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries,” appearing in 1761. His writings often contained strong religious themes, reflecting his devout Christian beliefs. Despite the constraints of his status, Hammon’s works were widely respected, and he became a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery. His later works, such as “An Address to the Negroes in the State of New York,” published in 1787, emphasized the importance of education and urged slaves to seek spiritual salvation and moral improvement.
5 Interesting Facts about Jupiter Hammon
1. Jupiter Hammon was the first African American to be published in the United States, with his first poem published in 1761.
2. He was a devout Christian and his works often contained religious themes and messages urging moral improvement.
3. Hammon spent his entire life as a slave under the Lloyd family in New York.
4. His later works, including “An Address to the Negroes in the State of New York,” made him an early advocate for the abolition of slavery.
5. He was educated by the Lloyd family, who valued him for his intellect and literary abilities.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jupiter Hammon
1. “If we should ever get to Heaven, we shall find nobody to reproach us for being black, or for being slaves.”
2. “Now, my brethren, it seems to me that there are no people that ought to attend to the hope of happiness in another world so much as we do.”
3. “We live so little time in this world that it is no matter how wretched and miserable we are, if it prepares us for heaven.”
4. “It is very common for men to think that they are fit to go to heaven when they die, whether they have any religion or not.”
5. “Liberty is a great thing and worth seeking for all men.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As a slave, Jupiter Hammon did not accumulate personal wealth. Therefore, his net worth is not applicable.
Children
There is no historical evidence to suggest that Jupiter Hammon had any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Jupiter Hammon – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_Hammon
2. [Poetry Foundation – Jupiter Hammon](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/jupiter-hammon
4. [Jupiter Hammon’s First Poem](https://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/experience/education/feature2.html
