William McKinley ALS as U.S. Congressman from Ohio Re: $10 Loan

A 1p autograph letter signed by William McKinley (1843-1901), then a U.S. Congressman from Ohio and future 25th U.S. President, as "Wm McKinley Jr" at lower right. Written in Canton, Ohio on August 13, 1881 on a single leaf of cream blue-ruled paper with "House of Representatives U.S. / Washington, D.C." letterhead struck through at top. Expected wear including paper folds, light uneven toning, and a few isolated repairs (minor loss along the right edge, and partially split paper folds.) Docketed presumably in the recipient's hand verso, and with mounting traces verso. Else very good to near fine. 5.375" x 9."

William McKinley served two stints as a U.S. Congressman from Ohio, the first between 1877-1884, and the second between 1885-1891, during which time he represented four different constituencies. In 1891, he lobbied for the 16th and 17th districts. McKinley's time in the House of Representatives garnered him over a decade of political experience before becoming Governor of Ohio in 1892, and U.S. President in 1897.

McKinley wrote this letter to his friend Nathan B. Billingsley [also Billingsly] of New Lisbon (modern day Lisbon), Ohio. Lisbon was located about 33 miles to the east of Canton, Ohio, McKinley's adopted hometown.

McKinley wrote in full, with original spelling, punctuation, and usage:

"Canton O
Aug 13 [18]81.

My Dear Billingsly: I reached home last evening at 8:03, tired and dusty and glad of the rest which I know, I could have last night, + which I had, Please thank Monaghan for his timely hospitality. I enclose [illegible] my check for ten dollars, for the loan of which I thank you. Don't fail to come up with McCork on the 26 Aug. Remember me to Mrs Billingsly + believe me

Your friend
Wm McKinley Jr

NB Billingsley
New Lisbon O."

Nathan B. Billingsley (born 1850) of Lisbon, Ohio went to school at Mount Union College (Alliance, Ohio), where McKinley had also studied around 1860. An attorney, Billingsley represented many railroad companies before becoming a board member, president, and general counsel of the Pittsburgh, Marion & Chicago Railway in 1890. Billingsley also served as a presidential elector in Ohio in 1880.

The law appears to have united three of the four people involved in this letter: its author, recipient, and one of the individuals mentioned in its content. Both McKinley and Billingsley had legal training, and there was one William Monaghan who served as clerk of the court of common pleas of Columbiana County, Ohio.

William McKinley served as president between 1897 and his assassination in September 1901.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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