Help Establish a Wentworth Cheswill Monument

Help us establish a monument that could inspire generations.

An unsung hero of early America, Wentworth Cheswill is recognized as the first African American elected to public office. Born in April of 1746, he was the mixed race grandson of a freed slave, and he went on to live an astonishing life of public service. Like Paul Revere, he rode as a messenger for the Committee of Safety. As Revolutionary War soldier, he fought in the Battle of Saratoga, America's first victory. In his beloved community of Newmarket, New Hampshire, he served in many different roles, including constable, school teacher, school board member, selectman, assessor, surveyor, moderator, Justice of the Peace, and even coroner. Later in life, he donated books and funds to establish his community’s first library. Finally, he was also a pioneering archaeologist --one of the nation's earliest!

Often relegated as "Black Paul Revere" if he is mentioned at all, Wentworth Cheswill could inspire generations --if only people knew of him. It is time we used his name. It is time he was honored.

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The Wentworth Cheswill Monument Committee is looking for funding to help establish a Wentworth Cheswill monument. This committee is sponsored by the New Market Historical Society a registered 501(c) nonprofit organization.