Transcribed by Lynda Clarke in 2002 for the USGenWeb Archives.  No copyright infringement is intended.  Click here to view the original page at the Internet Archives.

Note:  The TNGenWeb Project does not endorse the use of culturally insensitive language.  On this abstract, please note certain original words are included for context.

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Transcriber’s note:  John Henry Hill was appointed Postmaster at Hillville, TN on January 17th, 1898. Other sources have indicated that the first post office was in the home of Fountain P. Hill, his brother.

James A. Gary, Postmaster General of the United States of America

To all Whom these Presents shall come, Greetings;

Whereas, On the 17th day of January, 1898, John H. Hill was appointed Postmaster at Hillville, in the County of Haywood, State of Tennessee, and when he did on the 17th day of January, 1898, executed a Bond, and has taken the Oath of Office as required by law.

Now know ye, That confiding in the integrity, ability and punctuality of the said John H. Hill, I do commission him a Postmaster, authorized to execute the duties of that office at Hillville aforesaid, according to the laws of the United States and the Regulations of the Post Office Department. To hold the said office of Postmaster, with all the powers, privileges and emoluments to the same belonging during the pleasure of the Postmaster General of the United States.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the Post Office Department to be affixed, at Washington City, this 24th day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and twenty second.

Signed: James A. Gary Postmaster General

(Original document in possession of Mai Hill Sanders, a granddaughter.)