Jupiter Hammon
🕊️ Early Life & Education
Born into slavery on October 17, 1711, at the Lloyd Manor (also known as Henry Lloyd Manor) on Long Island, New York. His parents were likely Opium and Rose, enslaved individuals of the Lloyd family. [en.wikipedia.org], [colonialwi...msburg.org], [preservati...island.org]
Through the Anglican Church’s Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, he gained a rudimentary education, likely via church-sponsored schooling alongside the Lloyd children. [colonialwi...msburg.org], [preservati...island.org]
His literacy and clerical skills made him invaluable to the Lloyds—serving as a commercial clerk and bookkeeper. [en.wikipedia.org], [poets.org]
Literary and Religious Work
First published poem:“An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ, with Penitential Cries”, composed on December 25, 1760 and published in 1761. This makes him the first African‑American poet published in North America. [en.wikipedia.org], [worldhistoryedu.com], [poets.org]
Other key works include:
“An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley” (circa 1778), written in support of the prominent Black poet. [colonialwi...msburg.org], [poets.org]
“A Poem for Children with Thoughts on Death” (1782). [poets.org]
“An Address to the Negroes of the State of New York” (1786) delivered at the African Society—advocating for Christian morality, hope for spiritual and social elevation, and gradual emancipation. [colonialwi...msburg.org], [allpoetry.com], [poets.org]
Themes and Significance
Hammon’s writings are deeply religious and biblical, reflecting his Calvinist beliefs and the influence of the Great Awakening. [faculty.ge...getown.edu], [poets.org]
Although not overtly radical, his work carried subtle critiques of slavery, urging enslaved individuals to aspire to spiritual salvation and moral integrity while anticipating eventual freedom. [en.wikipedia.org], [allpoetry.com], [remembersl...dpress.com]
Recognized as a founding figure in African‑American literature, his writings provided an early Black voice in colonial-era America. [worldhistoryedu.com], [poets.org], [remembersl...dpress.com]
Later Life and Death
After Henry Lloyd’s death in 1763, Hammon remained enslaved by Joseph Lloyd and later John Lloyd II. [remembersl...dpress.com], [huntingtonny.gov]
During the American Revolutionary War, he accompanied the Lloyds to Connecticut to avoid the British. [huntingtonny.gov], [allpoetry.com]
Hammon is referenced in the 1790 census, but no further records exist beyond an 1806 reprint of his sermon, indicating he likely died around 1806. [ebsco.com], [huntingtonny.gov]
📝 Summary
Born Oct 17, 1711, Lloyd Manor, Long Island, NY
Education Christian education via Anglican church programs
Occupation Slave, clerk, preacher, poet
Major Works An Evening Thought (1761), Address to Phillis Wheatley (1778), Poem for Children (1782), Address to Negroes of NY (1786)
Significance First published African‑American poet; pivotal early voice criticizing slavery in spiritual terms
Died Circa 1806, after enduring life under four generations of Lloyd ownership
Jupiter Hammon’s life and work provide essential insight into the intersection of religion, literacy, and resistance in colonial America. His voice, emerging from the bonds of slavery, stands as a testament to early African‑American intellectual and spiritual agency.
