Autographs
Rare Document Signed by WENTWORTH CHESWELL, First Black Man Elected to Public Office in America
WENTWORTH CHESWELL, Rare Document Signed June 30, 1812, by this African-American Revolutionary War Hero and the First Black Man Elected to Public Office in America
A rare original and historic printed and manuscript completed legal document, signed by African American hero WENTWORTH CHESWELL, known as the "Paul Revere of New Hampshire". Dated June 30, 1812, and signed by Cheswell as Justice of the Peace, this warrant orders the Sheriff of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, to produce Stephen Emerson in court to answer for debt owed to Levi French.

WENTWORTH CHESWELL (1746-1817) was a freeman of color living in Newmarket, New Hampshire. In 1768 he was elected by his neighbors as Town Constable, and later held a number of other town and government positions. During the Revolutionary War, he served as messenger of the Committee of Safety, and like Paul Revere he also made an all-night ride back from Boston to warn his community of British movements. In addition to serving as Constable, he was also a Town Selectman, Assessor and Coroner. In 1805 he was appointed Justice of the Peace, a position he held until his death. In effect, WENTWORTH CHESWELL was the first Black American to be elected to public office in America.

This is a rare autograph on handmade rag paper, some minor paper loss to left edge, sheriff's deposition on reverse, very good condition. Measures approximately 8” by 8 1/2” with folds.