POSTOFFICE.

 

The post office was established in 1844, with David B. Sears as postmaster. The office at this time was not a sinecure, but yet there were others willing to serve. Between 1844 and 1853 Dr. Wells, Geo. W. Jackman and Joseph J. Jackman served, it is believed, in the order named: Absalom B. Williams was appointed in 1853, at which time the office was on what is now the corner of Second Avenue and 16th Street. Here it remained some time and then was removed a few doors west on the same avenue. In 1873 it was removed to the Library Building on15th Street. J. M. Gould succeeded Mr. Williams as postmaster and served until April 17, 1861, when Wm. Kerns was appointed, serving until June, 1865. Geo. D. Gould was his successor, serving some 22 months, when Mr. Kerns was appointed. On the11th of August, 1869, he was succeeded by Henry E. Wells, who served until April 1, 1877, when Luke E. Hemenway was appointed.

Mr. Hemenway, it is but just to say, is regarded as a model postmaster, and gives personal supervision to every department of the office. By six o'clock in the morning he is found at his post, and, with the exception of the time required for his meals, he is there till the closing hour at night. He is methodical in everything, and can, in a few moments' time, show the record of every transaction in his office since his ap­ pointment. The office contains 2,409 Yale boxes, producing a rental of $800 per quarter. The gross revenue of the office for the year ending June 30, 1883, was $20,500, entitling it to a free delivery, but in consequence of the reduction in postage and the general stagnation in business, it has fallen to a little less than §20,000. With the return of better times it will be increased to more than the required amount. While this work is in preparation the office is occupying temporary quarters on 3d Avenue between 16th and17th Streets, while a building is being erected expressly for its accommodation on the corner of 3d Avenue and i6th Streets, which will be the finest postoffice building in the State.

 

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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