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In 1858, Nelson C. Swank, the projector of the first newspaper (the Cedar County News Letter, at Rochester, in 1852) commenced to gather up sundry items of interest connected with the early settlement and development of the county, which have been almost invaluable in the preparation of these pages. Among other investigations, Mr. Swank wrote to (then) United States Senator James Harlan, to inquire through him when and where the first post office in Cedar County was established, to which the following reply was received:
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT, APPOINTMENT OFFICE
February 24, 1859.
SIR—In reply to your note endorsed on the letter of Mr. Swank, herewith returned, I have the honor to inform you, on examination of the records of the Department, that “Rock Creek” was the name of the first post office established in Cedar County, Iowa, under date of the 19th of July, 1837, and Stephen Toney was the first Postmaster. The office was made a special one, and received its mail supply from Iowa City once a week. On the 20th of March, 1854, the name of this office was changed to “Rochester”, and has been continued under this name ever since.
The next office established was “Tipton” the present county seat, under date of July 23, 1840, and Charles M. Jennings was the first Postmaster. This office was placed on a mail route, numbered 29 ½, and received a weekly supply.
The next was “Cedar River”, established on the 24th of June, 1841, and James H. Gower was the first Postmaster. The office was made special, and received a mail supply from Tipton. On the 3d of July, 1849, this office was changed to “Gower’s Ferry” and still remains under this name.
As the foregoing embraces the period of time alluded to in Mr. Swank’s letter, no subsequent offices are therefore given, but I may add that up to the present time there are twenty offices in the county.
I am, Sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
HORATIO KING, First Ass’t P.M. General.
