HARDING, Florence Kling (née Florence Mabel Kling, 1860-1924, American First Lady, wife of Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the USA, 1921-23)

A printed cheque for $50 signed ('Florence Kling Harding') to E.J. Schoenlaub, Epworth [Methodist] Church

A Marion (Ohio) National Bank cheque (70 × 146 mm), a printed cheque form on pink paper with manuscript insertions by Harding, 19 January 1921 (countersigned by Schoenlaub and two others on the verso).

Folded several times; closed split where spiked near the centre, well clear of the very large signature; in very good condition.

The cheque was written after Florence's husband Warren was elected President (2 November 1920) but before his inauguration on 4 March 1921. 'Energetic, strong-willed, and popular, she was an important influence on her husband's business and political careers.... [President Harding died in office in August 1923] ... Before returning to Marion, Florence destroyed many of the papers that could have documented more fully her role in what many observers consider the worst presidency in the country's history. She had worked hard to make her husband a success, but the revelations associated with the Teapot Dome Scandal [involving conflict of interest in the sale of oil leases] made his flaws very clear. One biographer concluded that she was a "full partner" in Warren's presidency' (Encyclopaedia Britannica online).

Provenance: Collection of The Hon Barry Jones AC.

Item #115580

Price (AUD): $300.00
other currencies