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19th Century Michigan Political Autograph Album with Herman

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
19th Century Michigan Political Autograph Album with Herman

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Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
a black leather album, 8" x 10", titled in gilt on front cover Autographs, with the owner's name calligraphed on first page, G.W. Holmes, dated January 25, 1858, Detroit, Michigan. Featuring 60+ autographs and 15+ ALsS/ANsS, plus several calling cards and printed wedding and anniversary party invitations.

George W. Holmes (1838-1859) was the son of Silas M. Holmes (b. 1816), the son of Jabez Holmes who served in the 8th Regiment, Connecticut, during the American Revolution. Silas Holmes was the State Treasurer of Michigan for two terms and was one of the organizers of the Republican Party. The album features autographs of prominent politicians including Henry Wilson, 18th Vice President of the United States and Massachusetts Senator, William H. Seward, Lincoln's Secretary of State, New York Governor and Senator, Simon Cameron, Lincoln's first Secretary of War, and the following U.S. Senators: Preston King (NY), James S. Green (MO), Solomon Foot (VT), B.F. Wade (OH), Charles E. Stuart (MI), James Rood Doolittle (WI), Philip Allen (RI), James F. Simmons (RI), Asa Biggs (NC), Graham Fitch (IN), and Anthony Kennedy (MD). The author Herman Melville's signature is another highlight of the album. It also features the autograph of Colonel William M. Searing, who served in the 30th New York State Volunteers as a Lt. Col., and fought at the 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. In addition, the album includes several mid-19th century ministers' autographs as well as other signatures of individuals mainly from Detroit, where George grew up, and Brooklyn, NY, some added after George's death. A handful of autographs dated 1940-1946 were added later.

By the 1880s, the Holmes family had moved to California, and in 1887, Silas and Ann Holmes celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a party. The album features several letters and notes from friends that could not attend the event. George's death is acknowledged briefly in one of the letters, but no details as to how he died were revealed. Invitations and calling cards are also laid down throughout the album. 

Condition: Some toning to pages, letters, etc.; bold, clear signatures throughout album.