Cesar (or Cesor) Chelor is the first identified African American toolmaker. He was the
 slave of Francis Nicholson, a prominent toolmaker in New England until 1752. In that
year he was freed by Nicholson, who specified in his will that " . . .As to my Negro Man
Cesar Chelor, considering his faithful Service, his tender Care & kind & Christian
carriage, I do set him free to Act for himself in the world . . ."

After being freed, Chelor started making wooden planes, which were used to smooth
wood surfaces or create elegant mouldings for architecture. He sold them to local
carpenters and joiners. Chelor must have been successful in his tool-making business,
for he was able to purchase land and pay property taxes. He was also a member in
good standing of the Wrentham Congregational Church. In 1758 Chelor married Judith
Russell; they had nine children.

Little information is known about the black residents of Wrentham, but they seem to
have formed an active and engaged community. Chelor hired several local black men to
work for him in his shop.  Black families were active members in the local church, and
 there are records that show that local black men fought in the French and Indian Wars.
Wrentham black community was also involved in the political and social activities
of the period.  Chelor's son-in-law, Pompey Edes, was listed as a member
of the Boston "African Lodge" of Masons, and was a close friend and supporter
of Prince Hall, who established the first African American Masonic lodge.

Chelor's planes can almost always be identified by their maker's mark: "C.E. Chelor,
Living in Wrentham." Antique woodworking planes are a popular collectible, and can
commonly be found at flea markets and estate sales. Due to their rarity and historical
importance, the planes of both Cesar Chelor and Francis Nicholson are some of the
most desirable and highly valued.

(Text courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution)
 
 

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