Wentworth Cheswell
By
John C Abercrombie
Wentworth Cheswell was extremely active in service to the community and served in elected positions for almost the entirety of his life.
In addition to service to his church, Cheswell held many elected positions, including town constable, town selectman, auditor, assessor, coroner, presiding officer for town meetings, justice of the peace
Cheswell was a patriot leader and served as a messenger for the “Committee of Safety” an integral component of the American Revolution War effort. Creswell carried strategic messages that were essential part of the communications network. One of his notable actions was undertaking the same actions as Paul Revere, warning of the imminent British attack on the same time as Paul Revere. Revere rode West, Creswell rode North.
The midnight ride of Paul Revere is an example of what often happens in the retelling of history. We know of only one rider, yet there were several. Also riding and alerting people of the plans of the British where William Dawes, Samuel Prescott, Israel Bissell and although not on the same night, Sybil Ludington, a 16 year old girl.
Wentworth Cheswell came from a line of free Blacks in Hampshire. His grandfather earned his freedom in 1717 and became the first Black property owner in New Hampshire. His father was a house wright (home builder, i.e. contractor) and built the homes of several of our countries patriot leaders. Some of the homes built by Wentworth’s father were the homes of John Paul Jones and the Rev. Samuel Landon.
Wentworth’s father’s wealth allowed him to provide his son with the best education available. He attended Dummer Academy. Upon graduation, he became a school master and was active in the local church.
Although Wentworth Cheswell was of Black ancestry, he also had White ancestors and is listed in some places as White. However, under the law he is recognized as Black.
In 1768, Wentworth was elected constable of Newmarket, New Hampshire. A position of law enforcement. This was just the first position he held.
He served the town as an elected officer for decades. Serving in many capacities. He was also selected to serve on the school board
In 1770, he was elected to the position of selectman, which is like the Mayor.
Wentworth signed a pledge in 1776 to take up arms to resist the British. This pledge put his life and fortune at risk. Wentworth was fully vested in the independence of this country!
Cheswell served the town of New Market, New Hampshire in many capacities for 70 years
Wentworth Cheswell – Founding member of the United States of America, also rode the same night as Paul Revere. Warning of the coming of the British. Paul Revere rode West and that is where the initial action took place. However, Cheswell rode North and that is where the reinforcements that made victory possible came from.
Rev. Jeremy Belknap published a well-respected 3 volume series called “History of New Hampshire” relying heavily on information that he received from Wentworth Cheswell.
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John C Abercrombie
Amazing Black History
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Books about Wentworth Cheswell are limited, however, here are some that speak of others who fought for the cause of American Independence.
The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution.
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Exercise Equipment
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The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution, With Sketches of Several Distinguished Colored Persons: To Which Is Added a Brief Survey of the … of Colored Americans (Classic Reprint)
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Survival Food
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Services of Colored Americans, in the Wars of 1776 and 1812
ABH – Service of Colored Americans
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Oral Care
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Historical Notes on the Employment of Negroes in the American Army of the Revolution (1862)
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Spy Camera
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Standing in Their Own Light: African American Patriots in the American Revolution (Campaigns and Commanders Series)
ABH – Standing in their own Light
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Home Office Furniture
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Brave black patriots (Heroes and heroines of the American Revolution)
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Cell Phones and Accessories
ABH – cell phones and accessories
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Many Blacks fought with Francis Marion “The Swamp Fox”. Read about 25 such brave heroes.
ABH – Almost Invisible Black Patriots
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Programable Thermostat
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Focuses on the youth of the Massachusetts slave who, after joining the colonial patriots in their struggle for freedom, was the first man to die in the American Revolution
Crispus Attucks: Black Leader of Colonial Patriots (Childhood of Famous Americans)
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For additional information on Cheswell, click the link below
http://fightingpatriot.com/wentworth%20Cheswell.htm
For additional information on Wentworth Cheswell, look at the 2-part video below, dedicated to placing a marker honoring Cheswell.
Wentworth Cheswell – placing of marker part 1
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Part 2
Others who rode with Revere
http://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/wentworth-cheswell-black-man-rode-paul-revere/
https://www.constitutionfacts.com/us-declaration-of-independence/the-five-riders/
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