Deerfield in Rockingham County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Major John Simpson

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2017

1. Major John Simpson Marker

Inscription.
Born In Deerfield and buried in Old Center Cemetery on road west, he gained fame by the unauthorized firing of the first shot at Bunker Hill while serving as a private in Captain Dearborn's Company of Colonel Start's Regiment. Although reprimanded for this disobedience, he afterward served his country with honor.

Erected 1964 by State of New Hampshire. (Marker Number 25.)

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Revolutionary.

Location. 43° 8.64′ N, 71° 14.075′ W. Marker is in Deerfield, New Hampshire, in Rockingham County. Memorial is at the intersection of North Road (New Hampshire Route 107) and Meeting House Hill Road, on the left when traveling north on North Road. Marker is located at the northwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Deerfield NH 03037, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of the First Congregational Church (approx. 0.8 miles away); LaFayette's Tour (approx. 5.2 miles away); Northwood NH War Memorial (approx. 5.2 miles away); Northwood NH WWII Honor Roll (approx. 5.2 miles away);

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Northwood NH WWI Honor Roll (approx. 5.2 miles away); Northwood Parade 1775 (approx. 5.2 miles away); First New Hampshire Turnpike (approx. 5.6 miles away); Sam Walter Foss (approx. 6½ miles away).

More about this marker. Arrow on the marker points west on Meeting House Hill Road toward the Old Center Cemetery, where Major John Simpson is buried.

Also see . . .
1. Maj. John Simpson.
After the shooting in the war began at Lexington and Concord, Simpson joined a company of militiamen under Captain Henry Dearborn. The company marched to Boston and joined the siege of that town. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, Colonel John Stark instructed his men of the 1st New Hampshire Regiment to hold their fire until the British had reached a certain point. According to the story, Simpson fired early and was arrested the next day for disobeying orders, but was not punished. (Submitted on April 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Battle of Bunker Hill.
General Howe led the light infantry companies and grenadiers in the assault on the American left flank, expecting an easy effort against Stark's recently arrived troops. They lined up four deep and several hundred across. As the regulars closed, John Simpson, a New Hampshire man,

Major John Simpson Marker (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2017

2. Major John Simpson Marker (wide view)

prematurely fired, drawing an ineffective volley of return fire from the regulars. When the regulars finally closed within range, both sides opened fire. The colonists inflicted heavy casualties on the regulars, using the fence to steady and aim their muskets, and benefit from a modicum of cover. With this devastating barrage of musket fire, the regulars retreated in disarray, and the militia held their ground. (Submitted on April 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Major John Simpson.
This link presents photos of the gravesite, as well as details on the family members buried there. (Submitted on April 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Old Center Cemetery Entrance Gate (<i>Major John Simpson plaque on right post</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2017

3. Old Center Cemetery Entrance Gate (Major John Simpson plaque on right post)

Major John Simpson Plaque (<i>on right post of cemetery entrance gate</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2017

4. Major John Simpson Plaque (on right post of cemetery entrance gate)

1748 – 1825
In Memory of
Maj. John Simpson

A soldier of the Revolution
who rests in this cemetery
and is credited with firing
the first shot at the
battle of Bunker Hill.

Major John Simpson Family Headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 27, 2017

5. Major John Simpson Family Headstone

Maj. John Simpson
Died Oct 28, 1825 Age 76 Yrs

Joseph L. Simpson
Died Feb 28, 1809 Age 21 Yrs

Mary L. Simpson
Died Nov 11, 1832 Age 27 Yrs

John Simpson
Died Feb 8, 1868 Age 78 Yrs

Hannah Simpson
Died July 18, 1872 Age 75 Yrs

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2018. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 376 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.