William McKinley, as Ohio Governor, Accepts a LoanA document signed by William McKinley (1843-1901), then Governor of Ohio and future 25th U.S. President, as "W McKinley" at lower left. The signature is bold and large, measuring 3.5" x 1.5" alone. Signed at Columbus, Ohio on August 18, 1894. The Certificate of Indebtedness, No. 137, was issued to Provident Savings Bank in Baltimore, Maryland in the amount of $1,000. Countersigned by three additional state officials including Samuel M. Taylor, Secretary of State of Ohio. Embossed with the "Great Seal of the State of Ohio" at lower left, and bearing several star-shaped clerical perforations. Expected folds and a few wrinkled or darkened edges. Light overall toning, else near fine. In part: "This Certificate is issued in accordance with provisions of an Act of the General Assembly, entitled 'An Act to authorize the issue of Certificates of Indebtedness to meet Deficiencies in the General Revenue Fund,' passed April 25th, 1894…"Future President McKinley was two years in to his four-year-long tenure as 39th Governor of Ohio when he signed this document accepting a loan from Baltimore's newly established Provident Bank (founded in 1886). In 1894, the state of Ohio was still strapped with debt nearly 70 years after its first funded debt had been established in 1825. The state's shortfall ballooned with the costs of constructing canals and state universities like Ohio State. The lot is accompanied by two interesting supplemental pieces, a vintage color postcard of the "McKinley Home, Canton, Ohio," the site of McKinley's celebrated 300+ informal voter meet-and-greets on the front porch of his Canton, Ohio farmhouse during his 1896 presidential campaign; and a semi-glossy print of "The White House North Front." This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!