Four signatures of three South Carolina Governors 19th century signature on fragment with SC state seal 'John Geddes', H4" W3"; two signatures on fragments 'J. H. Hammond U.S.S.' accompanied by newspaper clippings, H1" W2" and H1 1/8" W3 1/8"; card on backer with signature 'J. C. Sheppard Gov'r S. C.', H1 7/8" W3 1/8". (Good condition) *Biography: John Geddes was born in Charleston, SC about 1773. He was the son of a merchant, and was educated at the College of Charleston. He studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1797. He was elected to the House of Representatives of South Carolina, and in 1810 and 1812 was chosen speaker. In 1818 he was elected Governor, which office he held until 1820. During his administration he entertained President Monroe at his house on Broad Street, in Charleston. He was major of cavalry in 1808, and after his service as Governor was made brigadier-general of militia. John Geddes died in Charleson on March 5, 1828. *Biography: Born in Newberry District, SC in November 1807, Hammond graduated from SC College in 1825. He taught school and wrote for the newspaper, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1828. Hammond established a newspaper to support nullification and was an original secessionist. He was Governor of SC from 1842-1844 and was elected as a Democrat to the US Senate in 1857. As Governor, he led the state in improving and developing agricultural possibilities. It was Hammond who coined the phrase that "Cotton is King" in an 1858 speech to the Senate. Hammond died at Beech Island, SC on December 13, 1864. *Biography: J. C. Sheppard was born July 5, 1850. He studied law at Furman University and was awarded an honorary degree in 1925. On July 10, 1886, Lieutenant Governor Sheppard succeeded to office following the resignation of Governor Hugh Smith Thompson; he served a term of only five months. Sheppard was elected President of the SC Bar Association in 1908. He died October 7, 1931 and is buried in Willowbrook Cemetery in Edgefield, SC.