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Wentworth Cheswell - First African American Elected to Public Office in the United States and First Black Judge

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WENTWORTH CHESWELL, (1746-1817). Born in Newmarket, New Hampshire to a Free Black man of biracial ancestry and a white woman, he attended the prestigious Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, where he received a classical education, and returned to Newmarket, NH to become a schoolmaster; Elected as Town Constable in 1768, and was elected to other positions, including Assessor, Auditor, and Justice of the Peace, to which last post he was elected in 1805 and served until his death. He is considered to be the first African American elected to public office in the Unitd States, as well as the first Black Judge in the United States. A Revolutionary War veteran, he served in 1777 in the Saratoga Campaign.

March 28, 1809-Dated, Autograph Document Signed, "Wentworth Cheswell” at Newmarket, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, signed as “Justice of (the) Peace”. Document is beautifully handwritten in rich brown ink, very clean with choice eye appeal, 1 page, measuring 11-7/8" x 7-3/8". Choice Very Fine or better. This legal document is a recognizance bond, in which John Pike and two sureties, put up money to guarantee Pike's appearance at the Superior Court of Judicature in September to answer charges against him, especially those of Perthenia Wood of Newmarket. An impressive example from Wentworth Cheswell, the First African American Elected to Public Office in the United States and here, as the First Black Judge.
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