John Simpson (soldier)

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For other persons named John Simpson, see John Simpson (disambiguation).

Major John Simpson (d. October 28, 1825) of Deerfield, New Hampshire, fired the first gun on the American side, at the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Revolutionary War. Col. John Stark had instructed the men in his Regiment not to fire until the British army had arrived at a certain point designated by him, which was within 40 paces (30 m) of the American works. But when the redcoats had advanced to within the distance the major (then a private), called a good shot for a deer, could not withstand such a good chance, and fired and dropped his man. On this the fire commenced along the whole line. When Simpson was reproved for disobeying orders, he replied, he could not help firing when game, which he was after, came within gun shot.

His birthplace is marked by a New Hampshire historical marker (#25).