10/01/2025
Sgt. David "Pepe" Gould of Stoneham served under Col. Frye at Bunker Hill. There is a public meeting Oct 15th in North Andover to try to find ways to save this 300 year old house., which is under threat of demolition.
Weds October 15th at 7pm in the Worden Theater at the North Andover Historical Society.
"Colonel James Frye played a pivotal role in the American Revolution in Andover, recognized for his leadership and the indomitable spirit of his men. As the commander of a minuteman battalion composed of local farmers from the Merrimack Valley, Frye transformed these individuals into a disciplined military force ready to defend the liberties of Massachusetts citizens. Upon hearing the “Lexington Alarm,” he and his men swiftly rallied to action and displayed remarkable valor two months later at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. At a critical moment in the battle, when the situation grew dire, Frye mounted his horse and rode to the front lines of the American forces. Drawing his sword, he declared, “I was with you at the Battle of Louisburg! We Americans can win this fight again!”—a reference to the hard-fought victory he had helped to achieve during the earlier French Wars.
During the intense firefight, Frye sustained a thigh wound, yet as he was carried to safety, he boldly taunted his enemies. Frye’s extraordinary courage and determination inspired his men, many from Andover, to mount a valiant rear guard action, enabling hundreds of other Massachusetts soldiers to escape to safety.
In both life and legacy, Frye should be remembered as the “Captain John Parker of the Andovers,” embodying the spirit of citizen-soldier leadership and defiance against tyranny. Just as Captain Parker’s stand at Lexington has become intertwined with the town’s history, Frye’s leadership forever connects North Andover and Andover to the broader struggle for American liberty. Preserving his legacy is not only a tribute to his personal sacrifice but also an acknowledgment of Andover’s crucial role in the nation’s founding, ensuring that the ideals of courage, leadership, and local pride continue to thrive.
-Alexander Cain, historian and author of “We Stood Our Ground - Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution”
The North Andover Historical Commission has placed a demolition delay on the historic house at 169 Chestnut Street, and now it's our turn to take action.
Did you know that Colonel James Frye III, a hero of the American Revolution, once called this house home? He bravely led 450 militia and minutemen into battle, fighting for our freedom and paving the way for the birth of our nation. For over two centuries, the Frye property remained in the family, and now it's up to us to ensure its legacy lives on.
Let's rally together to raise awareness, funds, and find a solution to preserve this incredible piece of our local history. The clock is ticking, but with your help, we can make it happen!
Attend this public meeting on October 15th to get involved and be part of something amazing. 💪
