Steven Smith for Speaker

I had the honor of welcoming people to our historic Representatives’ Hall for the unveiling of a portrait of Wentworth Cheswill. This man led a truly unique life.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
“Wentworth Cheswill
Born April 11, 1746
Newmarket, New Hampshire
Died March 8, 1817 (aged 70)
Burial place Newmarket, New Hampshire
Known for Considered to be first Black man elected to public office in the United States, and first Black judge in the United States

Wentworth Cheswill was an American assessor, auditor, Justice of the Peace, teacher and Revolutionary War soldier in Newmarket, New Hampshire. From 1768 to his death in 1817, he served in local government every year but one.

Some sources consider Cheswill to be the first African American elected to public office in the history of the United States, as well as the first African American judicial officer. Around the time of his marriage, he purchased a plot of land from his father. In 1801, he was among the founders of the first library in the town and provided in his will for public access to his personal library.”

He was also one of the riders warning people of the British coming. He served under John Langdon in the war. He fought at the battle of Saratoga, our first major victory and a key influencer in getting France as ally.

His extraordinary life is now memorialized in our historic State House.