1777 dated Pay Order signed by James Church, John Cheneward & John Lawrence - American Revolutionary War Autograph

Handwritten pay order for blankets, lead, supplies, etc. signed by James Church, John Cheneward and John Lawrence. Further research needed on Church. Front and back shown.

James Church (1736-1803) was a prominent figure in Hartford, Connecticut, during the late 18th century, serving as a dedicated patriot and a vital member of the local Committee of Correspondence and Safety during the American Revolution. As a merchant by trade, Church utilized his logistical expertise and social standing to help manage the complex demands of the war effort. His role on the committee involved overseeing the procurement of essential supplies for the Continental Army, monitoring the activities of local Loyalists, and ensuring that the town remained aligned with the revolutionary cause as tensions with the British Crown escalated.

Beyond his administrative contributions, Church was deeply embedded in the civic and religious life of Hartford. He was a longtime member of the First Church of Hartford, where he served in various leadership capacities, further cementing his influence within the community. His commitment to the burgeoning nation was reflected in his willingness to risk his personal livelihood and reputation for the sake of independence. Today, he is remembered as one of the steadfast "town fathers" whose behind-the-scenes organizational work provided the necessary infrastructure for the military successes of the Connecticut militia and the broader patriot movement.

John Chenevard (often spelled Cheneward) (July 29, 1733-April 7, 1805) was a prominent merchant and dedicated patriot from Hartford, Connecticut. He played a crucial role in the logistical success of the American Revolution. As a trusted member of the state’s Committee of Pay and the Committee of Safety, Chenevard was entrusted with the high-stakes task of managing military finances and procuring essential supplies. His expertise in commerce made him an invaluable asset to the Connecticut Council of Safety, where he collaborated closely with Governor Jonathan Trumbull. Their efforts ensured that the Continental Army remained well-fed, clothed, and armed during the most challenging years of the conflict.

Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Chenevard’s unwavering commitment to the cause was evident in his active participation in local governance and his willingness to risk his own fortune for the fledgling nation. He frequently oversaw the transportation of salt, gunpowder, and flour, often coordinating their movement through the Connecticut River valley to reach General Washington’s troops. By the war’s end, Chenevard had become a pillar of the Hartford community. His legacy endures as that of a diligent civil servant whose behind-the-scenes work laid the material foundation for American independence.

John Lawrence (1719–1802) was a prominent public official in colonial and post-revolutionary Connecticut. He is best known for his long tenure as the Treasurer of the Colony (and later State) of Connecticut. Born in Boston on June 11, 1719, he was the son of Captain John Lawrence and Maryane Lawrence. He eventually settled in Hartford, where he established himself as a respected “Esquire” and dedicated civil servant.

Lawrence’s career spanned several decades of significant political transformation. During the tumultuous years of the American Revolution, he managed the region’s finances. His personal life was centered in Hartford, where he married Margaret Lawrence and raised a large family with at least twelve children. Beyond his official duties as State Treasurer, which he held from 1769 to 1789, he was deeply involved in the civic life of Connecticut’s capital. Lawrence passed away in Hartford on December 25, 1802, at the age of 83, and was interred at the Ancient Burying Ground.

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