WENTWORTH CHESWILL: MODEL CITIZEN
Dedicated to celebrating Newmarket’s story and fostering civic engagement, the NMSC is proud to support the effort to honor Wentworth Cheswill (1746-1817), a Newmarket citizen and American patriot whose life was an inspiring example of civic engagement—a legacy worth remembering, worth celebrating.
Widely acknowledged as the first person of African descent elected to public office in the United States, Cheswill, the grandson of an enslaved man, became one of Newmarket’s most educated and respected residents, known for his tireless community service. A schoolteacher and shop owner by profession, he was elected as constable in 1768 when he was just 22—but that was just the beginning. School board member, selectman, town clerk, assessor, surveyor, moderator, justice of the peace—Cheswill served his community for nearly half a century, every year of his life except one. He also helped establish Newmarket’s first library and is recognized as one of the nation’s earliest archaeologists.
His influence reached beyond town borders. Like Paul Revere, he helped organize the resistance as the colonies prepared for war, carrying messages on horseback between Exeter and Newmarket. During the Revolution, he marched to New York and fought in the Battle of Saratoga, a critical American victory. Three years after his death, Cheswill’s many accomplishments were acknowledged during a debate on the floor of the U.S. Senate, when Sen. David Morril of New Hampshire rose to speak out against the Missouri Compromise. Cheswill, he argued, was an educated, respected citizen and patriot—yet would have been denied entry to the state of Missouri because of his mixed heritage. His life of integrity and service was a powerful rebuke to the belief that citizenship should depend on skin color.
THE PROJECT: HONORING A REMARKABLE LEGACY
With growing community support, the NMSC—in collaboration with the New Market Historical Society and author-artist John Herman—aims to install a Wentworth Cheswill monument by late 2027 to coincide with our town’s 300th birthday celebration.
Designed for installation in a small park in the heart of downtown Newmarket, accessible and welcoming to all, the monument will highlight an important chapter in Newmarket’s story. It will also be a valuable addition to our growing understanding of New Hampshire’s Black history.
The Cheswill monument will be created by local artist Anthony Alemany, who was first commissioned by the NMSC to sculpt the Timberland Boot that now stands in front of the historic mill buildings where the famous footwear got its start. For the new sculpture, Alemany will begin with a half-scale clay maquette of Cheswill seated on a stone bench reading a book. He will then create a life-sized clay sculpture. The final sculpture will be cast in bronze and will be accompanied by a NMSC plaque that tells Cheswill’s story. Alemany feels a special connection to this story, given his own mixed heritage background. With a foot in two cultures, Alemany sees his art as a transformative process—as a way to recognize identity, build connections, and find common ground.
HOW IT BEGAN: REDISCOVERING A HERO
Cheswill was remembered as a hero and model citizen for more than a century after his death, but eventually his name was lost to history. Several Newmarket residents have helped reignite awareness of his life and have led the efforts to honor his memory.
When Newmarket resident Richard Alperin discovered he was living on the site of Cheswill’s former home, adjacent to the family cemetery, he was determined to learn more. With support from Cheswill (sometimes spelled Cheswell) descendants, Alperin raised funds and restored the cemetery plot. In 2007, he worked with the New Hampshire Historical Society to install a state roadside marker featuring Newmarket’s little-known hero.
Captivated by Cheswill’s story—which he discovered when he stopped to read the roadside marker—multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and performer John Herman established the Wentworth Cheswill Historical Monument Committee and wrote a book, Wentworth Cheswill’s Ride, about Newmarket’s remarkable citizen. For more than a decade, his tireless enthusiasm has helped spark growing community interest in honoring the town’s local hero.
Like Cheswill, Newmarket’s former four-term state Rep. Charlotte DiLorenzo, is an African American with a love for Newmarket and a commitment to community service. Her bill to recognize Cheswill with a portrait in the NH State House was approved in November 2025, helping to further spread the word about Cheswill’s achievements.
Community members have already raised nearly $15,000 to support the creation of a monument. Now you can join the effort!
OUR GOAL: $70,000
Help us honor the legacy of Newmarket citizen and American patriot Wentworth Cheswill – an enduring example of a life well lived!
Join our effort by using the button below to make your donation today. Remember, every donation counts no matter the size.
Corporations and organizations interested in major sponsorship, please reach out to Mike Hoffman, chair of the NMSC, on our contact page.
We look forward to working together to honor the contributions of Wentworth Cheswill.