Memorial of William McKinley from Boston w/ Signed Letter & Ticket - Rare!

Title:
William McKinley TLS Tipped into A Memorial of William McKinley (1902, City of Boston)

Description:
This historically significant volume, A Memorial of William McKinley from the City of Boston, was published by the Municipal Printing Office in 1902. Bound in original brown cloth with gilt stamping to spine and front board (bearing the seal of the City of Boston), this quarto volume comprises 70 pages and includes multiple photographic plates with original tissue guards intact. It commemorates the life and presidency of William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901.

Tipped into the front of the book is a Typed Letter Signed (TLS) by McKinley on personal letterhead ("WILLIAM McKINLEY, CANTON, OHIO"), dated May 25, 1896, during his presidential campaign. The letter, addressed to George W. B. Sisson of Worcester, Massachusetts, reads in full:

"For your kindness in sending me newspaper clipping in regard to current political matters, I am very much obliged,
Yours very truly,
W McKinley"

The signature is boldly written in ink beneath the typed text. The letter has been well preserved, showing only minor soiling, light toning, and faint fold lines from original mailing.

Accompanying the book is an original printed ticket to the "Home Market Club Dinner in honor of President McKinley," held at the Mechanics' Building in Boston on February 16, 1899. The ticket measures 5 x 2¼ inches and exhibits minor wear including a short tear at the upper left.

Historical Context:
William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, led the nation through the Spanish-American War and ushered in a new era of American expansion and industrial growth. The letter dates to the early stages of McKinley’s 1896 presidential campaign—a pivotal election that realigned American politics and marked the beginning of Republican dominance in national affairs for a generation.

At the time of writing, McKinley was the leading Republican contender for the nomination, and national debate was sharply focused on the most divisive political issue of the day: the gold standard versus the free silver movement. McKinley firmly supported the gold standard, appealing to Eastern industrialists and business leaders who feared inflation, while “Free Silver” advocates like William Jennings Bryan sought to expand the money supply by coining silver. The newspaper clipping referenced in the letter likely addressed this central debate or other issues such as protective tariffs, a cause McKinley championed, or internal Republican convention strategy as the June nominating convention neared.

The memorial volume itself, published just months after McKinley’s assassination in September 1901, reflects Boston’s civic tribute to a fallen leader and captures the reverence he commanded nationwide. The added ticket from 1899—when McKinley visited Boston as President—ties together his pre-presidency campaign and presidential recognition in a single, thematically unified artifact.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This is a Typed Letter Signed (TLS) by William McKinley, tipped into the volume. No third-party authentication is included, but the letter remains attached to its original period context and exhibits traits consistent with McKinley's known signature.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This remarkable combination of a commemorative publication, authentic campaign-era McKinley TLS, and period event ticket offers a multidimensional tribute to one of America’s most consequential turn-of-the-century presidents. The letter’s timing—written just weeks before McKinley secured the 1896 Republican nomination—adds significant political value. Ideal for collectors of presidential autographs, campaign memorabilia, or anyone with an interest in the monetary and political debates that shaped the Gilded Age and Progressive Era.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.