1863 Check Signed by Ozias M. Hatch – Personal Friend of Abraham Lincoln

Description

1863 Check Signed by Ozias M. Hatch – Personal Friend of Abraham Lincoln
Offered for your consideration is a Civil War dated check, issued to and signed at the conclusion by a personal friend of President Abraham Lincoln. The check was written for “
$
15
=” in “
Springfield
” (Illinois) on “
Sept 25
1863
” through the banker “
J. BUNN
”. The body of the document instructs the recipient to “
Pay to
OMH. ----
or Bearer
Fifteen
(Shingles)
/100 Dollars, in Current Bank Notes.
”. It is signed at the conclusion by “
O. H. Hatch
”, the same individual who requested the payment. A rectangular box at the left indicates that “
J. BUNN
,” was a “
Banker and Dealer in Exchange,
” in “
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS.
”. A double lined border encloses the above material, except along the right edge. The back of the document is blank, except for an old price written in a corner in pencil (this was a common practice years ago, though it is frowned upon today). An interesting document, signed by a prominent Illinois politician and personal friend to President Abraham Lincoln. This piece would frame nicely with a period portrait of Hatch, especially if Lincoln was in the view as well (if one exists).
Ozias Mather Hatch
was born on April 11, 1814 in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, and moved to Boston around the age of 15. He worked as a grocery store clerk for about seven years, after which he rejoined his family in Griggsville, Illinois. He successively served as a partner in two general merchandise stores until 1841, at which time he accepted a position on the Pike County circuit court. He served on the court for seven years, after which he joined his brother to form R. B. Hatch & Company. He was subsequently elected, in 1851, to the Illinois House of Representatives, serving one two-year term. With the formation of the Republican Party at the Bloomington Convention, Hatch was nominated for the position of Illinois Secretary of State. He was elected by a substantial margin in 1856, serving in that capacity until 1864. During his tenure in that position, Hatch’s office, in the old Statehouse, was the center of political activity in Springfield. One of the frequent visitors to that office was Abraham Lincoln, and he and Hatch became close friends (he was even a frequent visitor to Lincoln’s house). During the Civil War, Hatch oversaw the raising of Illinois soldiers for the Northern war effort (it was on the recommendation of Hatch and Judge Jesse K. DuBois that Governor Yates appointed Ulysses S. Grant to an Illinois regiment). He maintained his cordial relations with Lincoln while the latter was in office, even accompanying him to visit McClellan’s army following the battle of Antietam. Hatch co-founded the Hannibal and Naples Railroad in 1863, later purchased by the Wabash Railway. He retired from politics in 1865, though after the assassination of President Lincoln, he used his influence to procure funding for the Lincoln Tomb, located in Springfield, Illinois. He served as vice president and director of the Sangamon Loan and Trust Company, and in 1870 founded Hatch & Brother bank (with his brother Isaac) in Griggsville. Ozias M. Hatch died on March 12, 1893 in Springfield, Illinois, and was buried in that city’s Oak Ridge Cemetery (Lincoln is buried in the same cemetery).
The presently offered item exhibits signs of expected period use, followed by years of reasonably good storage. Toning is noted across the entire surface, imparting a beige to light tan appearance to the paper. This toning is slightly darker at the edges and on the blank back. One small fold can be found in the lower left corner, somewhat adversely affecting the integrity of the paper. A ragged “X” punch cancellation can be found at the center, while just to the right is a black, circular stamp, with “
PAID
/
SEP
/
25
/
1863
” inside. The top edge appears slightly irregular, while the other three seem straight to the naked eye. Measuring approximately 2¾ x 7⅜ inches, this piece would make a great addition to any Lincoln themed collection.
Any additional questions regarding condition should be addressed before purchasing.
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA