Raynor HCA 2014-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
McKINLEY, William Jr. (1843-1901) Twenty-fifth President 1897-1901, Representative and Governor of Ohio, assassinated September 6, 1901 by anarchist Leon F. Czolgosz while attending the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. Despite some scandal in his Administration, McKinley was considered by both parties to be a man of absolute integrity and dedication. William McKinley TLS, 1 pgs., October 18, 1884, on 20th Congressional Dist. Republican Committee stationary, 5 ½" x 8 ½", Canton, Ohio, written to F.D. Kitchel, Esq. A rare letter responding to a supporter after winning a Congressional seat in the U.S. Congress. The letter reads "Dear Sir: Your note conveying your congratulations at hand, permit me to thank you most sincerely for the same. I have been greatly pleased with the interest my old constituents have had in the new District, and nothing has been more gratifying than their generous support of me. Very Truly Yours, W McKinley Jr". Recognizing McKinley's potential, the Democrats, whenever they controlled the Ohio legislature, sought to gerrymander or redistrict him out of office. In 1878, McKinley faced election in a redrawn 17th district; he won anyway, causing President Hayes to exult, "Oh, the good luck of McKinley! He was gerrymandered out and then beat the gerrymander! We enjoyed it as much as he did." After the 1882 election, McKinley was unseated on an election contest by a near party-line House vote. Out of office, he was briefly depressed by the setback, but soon vowed to run again. The Democrats again redistricted Stark County for the 1884 election; McKinley was returned to Congress anyway. In the letter McKinley mentions "the new District", and that he is quite gratified by the support. I'm sure he was quite pleased in beating the Democrats and winning his seat back. The letter is in fine condition, having a correction in ink, and bold signature.
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