How History Unfolds on Paper: Important Americana from the Eric C. Caren Collection, Part X

(Likely Little Compton, Rhode Island), October 17, 1709. Single sheet, 5 7/8 x 3 5/8 in. (149 x 92 mm). Autograph document in 18 lines, signed by Benjamin Church, reads in part: "Hanna Woodary on herself apprd this 17 day of October 1709...that Jonathan...hisself a Jun. was the father of afsd child that she is now...with and that it was begot sum time in the beginning of February last past and that he had to...with her at that time and no other...on oth. as aforesaid before me Benjamin Church Just."; ten-line autograph fragment in Church's hand on verso and crossed out. Creasing from old folds, separations along same; wear along edges; soiling to recto and verso.

Benjamin Church (1639–1718), recognized as America's first ranger, was born in Plymouth Colony. He became an early settler of present-day Little Compton, Rhode Island, where he established friendly ties with the local Sakonnet tribe. During King Philip's War (1675-78), Church commanded a force of English colonists and Native American allies against Sachem Metacom (known to the English as King Philip) and his warriors, who were devastating frontier settlements in New England. Breaking from traditional European tactics, Church adopted indigenous strategies to create a small, highly mobile unit composed of both English and Native soldiers. This mixed force specialized in targeting enemy leadership. In a decisive surprise attack, Church's men cornered Metacom, leading to the Sachem's death and effectively ending the war. Church's military service continued after the conflict, as he fought for the English in both King William's War and Queen Anne's War. He dedicated himself to training soldiers in the "ranger" style of warfare he had learned from Native tribes, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential military leaders of the colonial era. His innovative tactics were later refined by Ranger Robert Rogers during the French and Indian War and remained a component of American military strategy during the Revolutionary War.