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MI, Monroe--Bank of Monroe $2 and Legal Document

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Paper Money - United States Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 10,000.00 USD
MI, Monroe--Bank of Monroe $2 and Legal Document
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Holabird-Kagin Americana Office
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Nyholm 38 Rust 20 This truly is a unique pair of items. First is a Bank of Monroe $2 note hand-signed by Oliver Cowdery. The note is dated Sept. 1, 1836 The Mormon Church announced the purchase of the bank on January 31st , 1837. The explanation of this is complex but is typical of the issuance of currency by many banks in the 1830’s. Cowdery’s signature appears on Monroe banknotes beginning in Sept. of 1836 through July of 1837. It has been reported that Oliver Cowdery was still residing in Kirtland Ohio as of January 1st of 1837. It has also been speculated that Cowdery may have been active with the bank prior to 1837 but this is doubtful. Research indicates that banks of the era issued their banknotes sometimes with as many as three different color inks validating the notes. Notes exist for Kirtland with the serial number written with one color of ink, the signatures written with a different ink or color, and the date issued with a third. Kirtland, Monroe and other period banks often experienced problems with the time it took to issue a large number of notes therefore many notes were serialized and/or dated prior to issuance. Then when they were needed they were signed and issued, also on some banknotes as in the case of Monroe and Kirtland they were made out similar to a check today by writing the name of the person it was issued to on the note. Therefore when Oliver Cowdery arrived to assume the position of president of the Church in January 1837 many notes on hand most likely had been previously dated and only his signature was required. This cannot be 100% proven but it seems like the only logical assumption.



The second part of this lot is a companion document regarding legal action taken against the Bank of Monroe for non-payment or refusal to redeem its banknotes. Both this note and letter have been together through several collectors going back to a Dr. Lee who resided in Monroe Michigan in the mid-1800’s. This note may very likely be a remnant of the currency mentioned in this document which was refused payment by the Bank of Monroe. The letter, intact but with several repairs, is a very historical document regarding the banking practices of many banks of the era. Surely there were many similar documents accusing many broken banks of the era which have not survived the test of time. A printed copy of the letter with original spelling errors/differences is shown as follows:



State of Michigan,



County of Monroe.



On the 5 day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven at the request of Farmenas Collins. I, Julius D. Morton, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commifsioned and sworn, dwelling in the City of Monroe, did present the original Notes of this Bank of Monroe inclosed herein amounting to Sixty four Dollars to B. J. Hathaway Cashier of the Bank of Monroe and demaanding payment thereof, received for answer that they had no funds for the redemption of said notes.



Whereupon, I, the said Notary, at the request aforesaid, did PROTEST, and to hereby solemnly PROTEST as well against the President, Director and Company of the said Bank as against all others whom it doth or may concern for exchange, reexchange and all costs, damages, and interest already incurred, or to be hereafter incurred, on account of the nonpayment of the said Notes.



On the same day and year above written I deposited in the Post Office at Monroe due notice of the foregoing protest for B. J. Hathaway Cashier and the President Director and Co. of the Bank of Monroe.



Thus done and protested at the City of Monroe on the day and year above written.



In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office.



J. D. Morton



Notary Public



This is truly a unique pair of banking items from the 1830’s which gives us additional insight as to the legal issues and problems with banks of the era. This is a museum grade item worthy of a strong bid and an opportunity to add a unique item to your collect