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Original 1896 Letter Signed by Wisconsin Governor William H. Upham — Civil War Veteran & BusinessmanUp for sale is an exceptional piece of late-19th-century American political and business history: an original, completely handwritten letter, known as an Autograph Letter Signed (ALS), penned and signed by William H. Upham while serving as the 18th Governor of Wisconsin.Dated November 14, 1896, in Madison, Wisconsin, the letter is addressed to Bernard Goldsmith, Esq., in Milwaukee. The correspondence reportedly discusses Governor Upham’s willingness to provide personal financial backing or a signature bond to assist Goldsmith with a proposed life insurance business venture.This fascinating document connects Wisconsin’s gubernatorial history with the commercial and financial networks of the Gilded Age.HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS• The Author: William H. Upham served as Wisconsin’s 18th governor from 1895 to 1897. Before entering politics, he established himself as a businessman and lumberman. His military service during the American Civil War adds another dimension to his historical background.• Civil War Service: Upham served in the Union Army during the Civil War and was wounded and captured at the First Battle of Bull Run. His subsequent wartime experiences form part of his personal history and connection to the broader story of the Union Army.• Wisconsin Political History: Written during Upham’s gubernatorial term, this letter provides a contemporary connection to Wisconsin’s state government and business community in November 1896.• Business and Financial Connections: The letter’s reported discussion of personal financial backing for Bernard Goldsmith offers an intriguing glimpse into the relationships between political figures and private business ventures during the late 19th century.• Original Handwriting and Signature: The letter is entirely handwritten in dark ink and features a prominent signature attributed to Governor Upham. Its original manuscript format distinguishes it from printed documents and later reproductions.DOCUMENT DETAILS• Date: November 14, 1896
• Place: Madison, Wisconsin
• Author: William H. Upham, Governor of Wisconsin
• Recipient: Bernard Goldsmith, Esq., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Format: Original handwritten letter, Autograph Letter Signed (ALS)
• Subject: Reported offer of financial backing or a signature bond for a proposed life insurance business venture
• Signature: Handwritten signature attributed to William H. UphamPERFECT FOR COLLECTORS OF• Wisconsin Governors and State Political History
• American Civil War Historical Documents
• Original Political Autographs and Signed Letters
• 19th-Century American Business and Financial History
• Antique Insurance and Corporate History
• Wisconsin Lumber Industry and Gilded Age Commerce
• Original Manuscripts and Historical CorrespondenceA FASCINATING PIECE OF WISCONSIN HISTORYDating to a period of rapid industrial growth and expanding commercial enterprise, this original letter offers a tangible connection to Governor William H. Upham and the business networks of late-19th-century Wisconsin.The combination of gubernatorial provenance, original handwriting, a personal signature, and reported references to a business financing arrangement makes this an interesting research piece for collectors of American political and commercial history.Please examine all photographs carefully to appreciate the handwriting, signature, paper condition, and other details of this historical document.
