1778 WILLIAM ROGERS. Marriage Certificate by Baptist Chaplain in American Revolutionary War.

Very attractive 1815 marriage certificate signed by an important Chaplain [Baptist of the American Revolution. Rogers also has the distinction of being the very first student ever enrolled at what is now Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Born in 1751, he enrolled in the newly established Brown at fourteen years of age, after having been tutored by Rev. Aaron Hutchinson of Grafton, MA. He was the only student for nearly 6 months. He preached at the first commencement ever held by Brown, in 1769, and was licensed to preach with the Baptists in 1771. At the outbreak of the war, he was pastoring in Philadelphia. He was immediately, as early as March 1776, appointed chaplain to Pennsylvania's three battalions, and by June of 1778 was Brigade Chaplain for the Continental Army.  

After the War, he continued to serve the Baptists in Pennsylvania as pastor and educator, but was a broad man and assisted Presbyterian churches as well. He was also active in the abolitionist cause; Philadelphia had the first anti-slavery society in the United States. 

Attractive, 1815 marriage certificate for Samuel French and Susanna Gorgas of Philadelphia.

As shown, some folds and tears. But very good and attractive. A scarce autograph.