Partly-printed vellum DS, signed “Th: Jefferson” as president and “James Madison” as secretary of state, one page, 15 x 8.75, December 7, 1808. In part: “Know Ye, that Benjamin Hanna of Columbiana County Ohio having deposited in the Treasury a certificate of the Register of the Land-office at Steubenville whereby it appears that he has made full payment for the north west quarter of Lot or Section Number Twelve of Township Number Twenty in Range Number Seven of the Lands directed to be sold at Steubenville by the act of Congress, entitled ‘An act providing for the sale of the Lands of the United States in the Territory north-west of the Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky river.’” In good to very good condition, with intersecting folds, a single fold through a single letter of each signature, usual rippling and wrinkling, moderate toning, a bit heavier to edges, Jefferson’s signature light, but still completely legible, with Madison’s a shade lighter than Jefferson’s, tape mounting remnants to reverse edges, and light wrinkling. The white wafer seal is toned and cracked, but intact.
On the very day this land grant was executed, the Electoral College chose Madison—who was finishing up a stint as secretary of state—to be the fourth president of the United States, succeeding Jefferson. Jefferson, despite his far-reaching influence as a Founding Father, had become the target of various political attacks and with his popularity waning rejected the notion of another term in office. Until taking the reins of the young nation the following March, Madison joined Jefferson in performing their already assigned tasks, including authorizing documents such as this to Hanna. Hanna became an integral part of Ohio business, opening a general store in New Lisbon in 1814 and later serving as president of the Sandy & Beaver Canal Company, which connected the Ohio River with the Ohio Erie Canal. His grandson, US Senator Marcus Alonzo “Mark” Hanna, would later successfully manage William McKinley’s presidential campaigns. An interest link between early American and Ohio history. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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