Ellsworth, Strong, Webster, Wolcott, Jr.: Cut Signatures of 4 Early American Politicians

A small archive of cut signatures or documents signed by four prominent Early American politicians. These individuals are, in alphabetical order: Oliver Ellsworth (1745-1807); Jedediah Strong (1738-1802); Daniel Webster (1782-1852); and Oliver Wolcott, Jr. (1760-1833). Three of the four politicians and jurists played an especially important role in colonial, Revolutionary, and early Republican Connecticut politics. Two of the four pieces are accompanied by provenance information from autograph dealers.

The lot is comprised of, again in alphabetical order:

1. A cut signature of Oliver Ellsworth, signed as "Oliver Ellsworth," affixed to a larger sheet with Ellsworth's biographical details and portrait. A minor closed tear affects the underline flourish of Ellsworth's signature. Lightly toned. Else very good. The cut signature measures 3.625" x 1.5" while the half-sheet mount overall measures 7.375" x 4.125." Accompanied by a Certificate of Authentication from Cordelia and Tom Platt, Autographs and Historic Materials (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.)

Oliver Ellsworth was a Continental Congressman and one of Connecticut's first state senators. Very involved in revolutionary politics, the Yale and Princeton graduate also trained as a lawyer, helped draft the U.S. Constitution and was appointed by George Washington to serve as the 3rd Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1796 to 1800.

2. Part of a receipt signed and inscribed by Jedediah Strong, as, in part: "Tho.s. Dickenson…The above Bill of Cost allowed & Taxes p[aid] J Strong…" Light scattered foxing. A former collector's notes found verso, else very good to near fine. Trimmed to a completed size of 3.75" x 1.625."

Jedediah Strong served as a member of the Connecticut General Assembly, and was later promoted to a seat in the Upper House of the Connecticut General Assembly. He served as a high-level judge in Connecticut between 1789-1791.

3. A cut signature of Daniel Webster, signed as "Danl Webster." Lightly toned at right. Old mounting traces verso. Else near fine. Trimmed to a completed size of 3.5" x 1.5."

Daniel Webster was one of the most revered statesmen of his day, representing New Hampshire and Massachusetts in both in the House of Representatives and the Senate before serving as U.S. Secretary of State under the Harrison, Tyler, and Fillmore administrations.

4. A manuscript document signed by Oliver Wolcott, Jr., as "Oliv Wolcott Jr Aud" along a bold diagonal line near center right. The note directs Connecticut State Treasurer Jonathan Lawrence and cashiers to pay Captain John Morgan 26£ and 6 shillings on June 16, 1781. Docketed and endorsed verso. Light toning and a few deckled edges, else near fine. Overall size: 6.5" x 5.75." Accompanied by an Assurance of Authenticity from The Kreisman Gallery, Historical Documents and Manuscripts (Woodstock, Illinois) dating from March 2002.

Oliver Wolcott, Jr. served as clerk of the Connecticut Committee on Pay Table from 1781-1782. Later, he succeeded Alexander Hamilton to become the 2nd U.S. Secretary of the Treasury during the Washington and Adams I administrations (1795-1800).

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.

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