Signature of James Buchanan (Appletons, 1900)

What it is

This is a printed reproduction of the signature of James Buchanan, taken from a 1900 encyclopedia. The image shows the words 'James Buchanan' written in cursive black ink, with a long looping line under the first name. It is labeled as the signature of the 15th President of the United States.

Because it is a printed copy, it shows the shape of the signature but not the paper, pressure or ink of the original.

Why it matters

A signature is one of the few ways a person's own hand appears in the record. Buchanan signed many official and private papers during his long public career, including as Secretary of State and as President. Printed reference works of the early 1900s often included such signatures so readers could recognize public figures. The picture tells us how Buchanan wrote his name, but it cannot tell us much about his views.

Look closer

• What features of the handwriting stand out to you, such as the looping line under the first name?
• Why might a 1900 encyclopedia print a signature instead of only a written description?
• What questions could a printed copy not answer about the original document it came from?