The African American Founding Father

Wentworth Cheswell (1746-1817), the grandson of an emancipated slave, became the first African-American to own property in the U.S, and was the first to hold public office. Cheswell had risen to such prominence that he was chosen to be on the N.H. Committee of Safety (a civilian authority). In 1776, he (like Paul Revere) made an all-night ride from Boston to Newmarket, N.H. to warn of the impending British invasion. A veteran of the Revolutionary War, he fought in the Battle of Saratoga. While there are no artist renditions of Cheswell, there is evidence that he was very light-complected--- enough to “pass” for white. 

 

Street marker in Newmarket, N.H.

 

A copy of the first deed of real property in the U.S. issued to an African American--- in what would become New Hampshire.

 

Wentworth Cheswell grave marker