Small collection of seven notes, letters, and documents from William McKinley, consisting of one ALS, one ADS, one TLS, two ANSs, and two LSs, each signed either as “McKinley,” “Wm. McKinley,” or “Wm. McKinley, Jr.” The items range in size from 7.75 x 4.25 to 8 x 10.75, with all but one dating from 1886 to 1893, indicating that six are signed either as an Ohio congressman or as the state’s governor. With the exception of one, all of the items are either sent to or related to McKinley's friend, journalist and politician George Harold Walker.
ALS, one page, September 5, 1888, handwritten letter to Walker, in part: “I read your letter in the Leader on Georgia — it was excellent, & I congratulate you. Gov. Bullock writes me that neither you or Genl. Boynton [sic] send papers to him as you promised. Mrs. McKinley is a little better this morning. I do not know when I can be in W.” Includes the original mailing envelope addressed by McKinley.
Twice-signed ADS, one page, penned on Committee of Ways and Means letterhead, July 7, 1886, a promissory note issued to Walker: “Ninety days after date I promise to pay Wm. McKinley Jr. or order One hundred dollars, For value rec’d.” McKinley has also signed on the reverse.
TLS, one page, State of Ohio, Executive Department letterhead, November 13, 1893: “Please accept my warmest thanks for your cordial congratulations over the splendid victory of last Tuesday.”
ANS, one page, no date: “I think you are right. Take your time & submit it to me tomorrow.”
ANS, one page, Committee of Ways and Means letterhead, January 25, 1889: “Give to Mr. Geo. Walker a set of Wharton Digest of International Law.”
LS, one page, both sides, House of Representatives letterhead, March 22, 1889, in part: “This will introduce you to my friend Mr. George Walker, who represents the Cleveland Leader in this city. He has been its representative for many years. He is the salt of the earth.”
LS, one page, both sides, House of Representatives letterhead, May 27, 1889, in part: “Am glad the appointment of Judge Day is so well received. Of course it is gratifying to me on many accounts...I start for New York tomorrow afternoon. Can you over Thursday and see me. I will be at the Windsor Hotel.” In overall fine condition.
Born in Pontypool, Monmouthshire, England, George Harold Walker (1851-1906) worked as an editorial writer for the Cleveland Leader until 1880, when he was employed by the Cleveland Herald and moved to Washington as the representative of that journal in 1881. He soon returned to the Leader, which he represented at Washington until 1891, serving also for several years as correspondent of the San Francisco Chronicle. In 1887 he became a member of the celebrated Gridiron Club, which he served as treasurer for many years. During his long and successful career as a newspaper man he was brought into contact with many distinguished public men, notably Presidents Garfield and McKinley, with whom he was in close confidential relations. After graduating from the law department of Columbia University, in 1893 he abandoned journalism for the legal profession and entered a practice that he continued until 1897, when he was appointed by President McKinley as Assistant Attorney of the Department of Justice, in which honorable position he remained until his death.
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