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Summary: The document is a rule between a Rockingham County resident, Walter Smith and a Strafford Yeoman resident, Joseph Durgin for the sum of two hundred dollars. Wentworth Cheswell (1746-1817). Manuscript Document Signed (Attest Wentworth Cheswell, Jus. Piece). Rockingham County, NH, December 16,1796. 1p 11.5” x 7” Inventory# 20827 $2,800
Partial Transcript: "Passed December 16, 1796, Walter Smith of Newmarkett in the County of Rockingham Trades and Joseph Durgin of Durham in the county of Strafford Yeoman having diverse controversies between them under the value of two hundred dollars; have this day applied to me, and agreed and entered into a rule, to submit the same (being all demands between them) to the determination of Nathaniel Kidder Esq, Valentine Smith, Esq. and Mr. Benjamin Loveren . . . " Biographical Note: Wentworth Cheswell was a key figure in Newmarket and New Hampshire politics and the son of Hopestill Cheswell, a well known pre-Revolutionary house builder. Hopestill, a mulatto, is open mentioned in local history as an example of an independent African-American who held an important business position in an era of slavery. Cheswell too excelled in local politics. Named for Royal Governor Benning Wentworth, he attended Dummer Academy. A justice of the peace and yeoman landowner, Cheswell, like Paul Revere, made a midnight ride to warn of British soldiers. In Newmarket he served as town assessor, selectman and coroner. He preserved important town records and helped start the first private library in his hometown of Newmarket. Cheswell was used in public debated during the 1820 Missouri Compromise as an example of how African Americans were able to take their place as equals in society with whites.
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