The following is a complete list of Postmasters who have served as
such in Muncie, from the first to the last, in the order of their occupancy,
without the date or the length of term of service of them, respectively:
Dr. D. Burt, Charles F. Willard, George Cubberly, Ed S. Keasbey, John Ethell,
John Brady, Robert Richey, Samuel I. Watson, Henry C. Marsh, John C. Eiler,
present incumbent.
The early settlers place the location of the first post office on
North Mulberry Street just south of the Wilson House, being the residence of
the Postmaster, Dr.Burt. During Mr. Willard's administration, he had the
office in his store, on the corner now known as the Bacon Corner. George
Cubberly had the office in the tavern that stood on the site of the Meeks
Block, on East Main Street. Ed S. Keasbey had the office on the northwest
corner of Main and Mulberry streets, the present site of Little's Block.
Subsequently, he removed it to the brick building opposite the Kirby House,
to the east the southeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets. During the
administration of Mr. Keasbey, and while the office was situated on the
corner of Main and Mulberry streets, the first boxes were put in, some
account of which is given in the personal reminiscences of Minus Turner,
Thomas S. Neely and others.
Mr. Ethell had the office at his residence-a frame-on the southeast corner
of Main and Franklin Streets, John Brady had the office in his harness-shop,
the present site of Husted's. The entrance to the boxes was in the hall
leading up stairs. Mr. Brady was Postmaster for fourteen years. Robert Richey
had the office on the site of Adamson & Goddard's grocery.
Mr. Watson had the office on the north side of the public square. Henry C.
Marsh had the office also on the north side of the public square. Afterward,
he moved it to its present location in the Times building.
During the early history of Muncie, up to about 1843, the mails came by way of Richmond and Economy through Muncie to Marion and Logansport. One week was consumed for the round-trip, and Muncie and Marion were used as intermediate night stations. A lad by the name of James K. Trimble, who rode on horseback, was the carrier.�At the same time, a cross mail, once per week, passed through Muncie, between Indianapolis, Ind, and Greenville, Ohio. This route, also, employed a horse and rider as a means of conveyance, and continued until the completion of the Bellefontaine Railway. After about 1843 until 1847, the route first named became semi-weekly. From this time�on, lines were established tri-weekly, between Muncie and Wabash�by way of Marion; between Muncie and Blufton�by way of Hartford City; and between Muncie and Cambridge City.� A hack line extended from here to Anderson; also, to New Corner and Portland, in Jay County.� The fare from here to Marion, or to Cambridge City, was 2.50 one-way. The hacks were run in the interest of Philip F. Davis. (Page 194) ������