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English colonist (c. 1639–1718) who was the military leader of the historic predecessor of the United States Army Rangers as captain of America's first Ranger force, which was formed to participate in King Philip's War. AES signed “Benja’n Church, Justis of Peice,” one page, 7.25 x 12.25, August 1, 1717, penned on the reverse of a manuscript document regarding a deed of conveyance issued by Bartholomew Hunt, “from the county of Bristoll in New England,” who wishes to give half of his land to his son, John Hunt. Church adds his handwritten endorsement on the reverse: “Bartholomew Hunt, the within subscriber acknowledged this within written deed on the other side to be his first act and word this…first day of August 1715, before me.” Signed below in bold ink by Church as the justice of the peace. In fine condition, with scattered stains and a slight partial separation to a bottom fold.
A rare and sought-after handwritten document from Church dated to the twilight of his legendary life and career — during King Philip’s War, Captain Benjamin Church commanded colonial and Native allied forces that ultimately cornered Sachem Metacomet (King Philip); one of Church’s men, a Native ally, killed Metacomet, effectively ending the war in 1676. In the years that followed, Church became one of New England’s most experienced frontier leaders. During King William’s War, he led several successful expeditions against French and Wabanaki settlements in Acadia and along the Maine coast, and, in Queen Anne’s War, he commanded a major 1704 expedition that struck key French positions at Grand Pré and Port Royal. Church’s campaigns over three decades made him one of the most seasoned and influential military figures of the colonial period.
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