It's certainly true that the Reds did issue these payment receipts at the turn of the century. I've owned this receipt for 15+ years and I have seen a few others through the years. They had to sign these in order to get paid.
Here is one signed by Frank "Noodles" Hahn from 1903.
Noodles Hahn pitched the 1st no-hitter in the 20th century.
I hope this helps!