Which figure was a Revolutionary War veteran who was the first African American elected to public office?

Which figure was a Revolutionary War veteran who was the first African American elected to public office?

• A. Wentworth Cheswell
• B. John Hancock
• C. Bernardo de Galvez
• D. John Paul Jones

Answer: (A)

Wentworth Cheswell stands out because he combined military service in the Revolutionary War with local political leadership, making him the first African American elected to public office in what would become the United States. He served as a veteran in the war and later held elected roles in his Newmarket, New Hampshire community, showing both his commitment to the revolutionary cause and his active participation in government. The other figures are notable for different reasons—a prominent white patriot, a Spanish ally who aided the colonies, and a legendary naval commander—none of whom fit the description of the first African American elected to public office.

Wentworth Cheswell stands out because he combined military service in the Revolutionary War with local political leadership, making him the first African American elected to public office in what would become the United States. He served as a veteran in the war and later held elected roles in his Newmarket, New Hampshire community, showing both his commitment to the revolutionary cause and his active participation in government. The other figures are notable for different reasons—a prominent white patriot, a Spanish ally who aided the colonies, and a legendary naval commander—none of whom fit the description of the first African American elected to public office.