September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
Exceedingly rare document signed by both future President William McKinley and future First Lady Ida McKinley. The document, measuring 8 1/4" X 13 3/4", and 13 1/2" X 18" overall framed, is a performance bond pertaining to the estate of Ida's father James, who had passed away on March 16, 1887. The document, dated September 12, 1887, lists William McKinley, Ida McKinley, her brother George Saxton, her sister Mary Saxton Barber, her brother in law, and Jacob Miller as executors of her father's estate, all of which have signed the document at the lower right. The Executors have to comply with the provisions stated in the Bond. They have to provide the Court with an inventory of assets, administer the estate (pay debts and bills, etc.) and then provide the court with an accounting of the Estate. In the event the Executors fail to do this the principals and sureties named in the first paragraph of the document must forfeit the sum indicated on the Bond, which is $50,000.00, to the State of Ohio. These days Executors generally do not have sign performance Bonds to act as executors. Included in the estate was the well known home where McKinley and his wife lived (now the McKinley Museum), and which McKinley used for the back drop for many campaign photographs while running for Governor and President. The document has three fold lines and some discoloration at the top right edge, else fine. The signatures are bold and dark. Ida McKinley's signature is quite rare, as she rarely signed due to health issues. It is thought, per a study of her writings, that there are only 30-35 signed Executive Mansion cards in her own hand, only 5-8 signed photographs, and 20-30 franks (as a widow). There but a few actual ALS's by her as well. The vast majority of material signed "Ida" were done by her husband, William. After extensive research we have not been able to locate any documents signed by both William and Ida McKinley appearing on the market, and this being a family related document signed by William, Ida, her brother and sister makes this document unique.
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