Delivering Heritage: The Descendants of Early Postmasters

In the grand tapestry of American history, the founding fathers, military leaders, and colonial settlers often take center stage. Yet behind the scenes were thousands of dedicated public servants whose work helped knit together the fledgling United States. Among them were early postmasters, the vital communicators of colonial and early federal America. In recognition of their historical importance, the Descendants of Early Postmasters (DEP) was formed to honor these individuals and preserve their contributions to American life.

Founding of the Society

The Descendants of Early Postmasters was established in 1987. At a time when genealogy and heritage societies were enjoying a resurgence, the founders sought to create a space for descendants of postmasters who served in official postal appointments from colonial times through the Civil War era. The organization was envisioned as both a tribute to these individuals and a scholarly endeavor to document their lineage and service.

Purpose and Goals

The stated mission of the Descendants of Early Postmasters is to:

Honor the memory and service of early American postmasters
Collect and preserve records and memorabilia related to early American postal history
Encourage genealogical and historical research related to early mail routes, post offices, and communications
Promote knowledge of postal history as a foundational element in American development

The society operates as a lineage-based organization, meaning that members must trace and document their descent from a qualified postmaster.

Membership Eligibility

To be eligible for membership, individuals must provide genealogical documentation proving descent from a person who served as a postmaster appointed before July 1, 1865. This date was chosen because it marks the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the modern era of federalized postal operations.

Eligible ancestors include:

Postmasters appointed by the British Crown in the American colonies
Postmasters appointed by the Continental Congress
Postmasters appointed during the early years of U.S. independence up to 1865

Applicants must provide proof of appointment for their ancestor—often sourced from the U.S. Official Register, Appointments of U.S. Postmasters, or American State Papers—along with traditional genealogical lineage proofs.

Historical Significance of Early Postmasters

In colonial and early American life, postmasters played an essential role in sustaining communication, commerce, and political awareness. Many prominent American leaders served as postmasters, including Benjamin Franklin, who was appointed the first Postmaster General in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress.

Postmasters were responsible for:

Maintaining local post offices
Receiving and dispatching mail
Setting postal rates
Managing mail routes, including the famous Pony Express, which emerged later in the 19th century

They often served as key figures in their communities, acting as informal news hubs and maintaining the fragile threads of national unity in a growing republic.

Activities and Contributions

Although a relatively small organization, the Descendants of Early Postmasters has engaged in the following over the years:

Publishing newsletters highlighting postal history and genealogy tips
Participating in lineage society events, especially during National Postal Worker Day (July 1)
Donating to historical preservation projects involving post offices or mail routes
Supporting educational initiatives around early American communication networks

The society has also collaborated with postal museums and historical societies to raise awareness of the integral role of early mail services in the nation’s development.

Present-Day Status

As of the early 21st century, the Descendants of Early Postmasters operates as a hereditary membership society, with membership limited but active. It is one of the lineage societies recognized by the Hereditary Society Community of the United States of America (HSC-USA) and maintains a focus on genealogical integrity and historic commemoration.

The society does not currently maintain a standalone website but may be contacted through the HSC-USA for membership information or historical inquiries.

Conclusion

The Descendants of Early Postmasters is a niche but meaningful lineage society that ensures the stories of America’s first communicators are not lost to history. In honoring the men and women who served as the nation’s earliest mail carriers and postmasters, the organization connects modern Americans to a legacy of civic duty, infrastructure, and public trust that helped shape the republic.

In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, the work of early postmasters stands as a testament to endurance, innovation, and the enduring human need to connect.