William Henry Harrison Autographs
William Henry Harrison autographs while serving as President of the United States are the scarcest of all presidential autographs. Harrison served as U.S. President for only 32 days before dying of complications from a cold. During his presidential tenure Harrison made enduring records for having given the longest inaugural address in American history. His speech lasted almost two hours. Harrison was also the first sitting president to have his photograph taken while in office.
Harrison’s autograph is often encountered on office documents since he had a long and distinguished career in politics and the military. Harrison gained stature as a national military hero when he defeated American Indians at the Battle of Tippecanoe in Ohio. As a result, Harrison gained the nickname “Tippecanoe”. However, autographs of Harrison that include the name “Tippecanoe” have not been identified.
Harrison’s autograph is most common during the period he served as governor of the Indiana territory, congressional representative from Ohio, or as U.S. Senator from Ohio. Harrison’s autograph is typically signed “Willm Henry Harrison”. An autograph dealer recently offered a manuscript check completely written in the hand of Governor Harrison from 1811 for $7,500.
Many collectors seek his autograph because of the profound effect Harrison had on the development of the Midwest in America. As territorial Governor of Indiana and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Harrison provided annuities ranging from $200 to $500 for individual tribes in exchange for obtaining three million acres in the Midwest. Harrison’s actions led the way for development in the Midwest.
Harrison capitalized on the weak U.S. economy caused by the Panic of 1837 and his military record to win the American presidential election in 1840 as candidate from the Whig party. Until Ronald Reagan took office, Harrison was the oldest American to become president of the United States. Only three weeks later, Harrison developed a cold that progressed in pneumonia. Harrison’s death only 32 days after inauguration made his tenure the shortest of any American president.
Because of his short tenure, autographs from Harrison as president are exceptionally scarce. Only twenty-four Harrison presidential documents, three letters signed as president, and two presidential manuscript letters are known to exist. One of his manuscript letters was sold in April 2007 for $167,300. Of Harrison’s presidential documents, twelve are in private hands and twelve are in institutions. In 2010, a partially trimmed ship’s paper from the port of Newport, Rhode Island, was offered for sale at a West Coast auction. Although it was dated August 28, 1841, Harrison as President signed it since it was customary at the time for Presidents and their cabinet members to sign documents like this in advance of their use. The item sold for thousands of dollars.
William Henry Harrison autographs have wide appeal because of Harrison’s special place in American history. Harrison’s autograph will continue to be a valuable pillar for collectors of presidential autographs.
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