Autographs
Thomas McKean Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, Governor of Pennsylvania
THOMAS McKEAN, (1734-1817). Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, Governor of Pennsylvania, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania.
March 13, 1799-Dated Federal Period, Partly-Printed Document Signed, "Tho. McKean" as Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, measuring 4.25" x 13.25", 1 page, Custom Presentation Displayed, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Choice Very Fine. Being a legal document pertaining to the arrest of three men in Pennsylvania. Manuscript portion reads, in part: "The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to the Justices of the County Court of Common Pleas, for the county of Cumberland and to every one of them, GREETING: We command you, that the bodies of John Creves, William Moore, and John Moore in our prison, under your custody, as it is said, detained by whatsoever names the said John Creves, William Moore, and John Moore may be charged in the same, under safe and secure conduct, together with the day and cause of their being taken and detained, you have before the Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania, at a Supreme Court to be held at Philadelphia for the said State, the first Monday of September next, then and there to do and receive whatever of our same Justices shall consider in that behalf..." The original Embossed Paper and Wax Seal remains fully sharp and intact at left side. The bold dark signature, "Tho McKean" measures about 1.75" long, located at bottom center. A lightly toned centerfold line runs vertically through the M of the signature. Expertly mounted and beautifully matted along with a displayed image of McKean and an engraved copper dedication plaque, ready for framing to an overall size of 19.25" x 20" in a professional display.
McKEAN, Thomas (1734-1817) was an American lawyer and politician from New Castle, in New Castle County, Delaware and Philadelphia. During the American Revolution he was a delegate to the Continental Congress where he signed the United States Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
McKean served as a President of Congress. He was at various times a member of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties. McKean served as President of Delaware, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, and Governor of Pennsylvania. He is also known for holding copious public positions.