History of Postmasters and Locations of Post Offices, obtained from memory of Farris Hays, an ex-sheriff of
Knott County and Dave Wallen, a former Postmaster of Hindman.

Before 1884 this section of Knott County was a part of Letcher County and the Post Office was, McPherson, Kentucky.  According to the memory of Farris Hays, Peyton Duke was the first Postmaster of McPherson and the Post Office was in a log building located in the forks of Troublesome Creek where Joe Kilgore's residence now stands.

Babe Johnson was the second Postmaster of McPherson and the Post Office was kept in the same log house.  During the time Mr. Johnson was Postmaster Knott County was struck off from Letcher, Perry, Floyd, and Breathitt Counties. The new County was formed by an act of the State Legislature in 1884 and was named in honor of the Governor at the time,  James Proctor Knott.  After some debate in the Legislature it was decided the County seat  should be located where McPherson was and the name should be changed to honor Lt. Governor Hindman.

The next Postmaster after Babe Johnson was Chick Allen and he moved the Post Office into a little frame building where the Bank of Hindman now stands.

After Mr. Allen, John Combs became Postmaster and he moved the Post Office into a part of his store building which was located just beyond the bridge where the Cornett Pool Room now stands. Mr. Combs served as Postmaster under the Administrations of Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Taft.

Our oldest living Ex-Postmaster, Dave Wallen, became the Postmaster under President Woodrow Wilson. Mr. Wallen served until 1917 when Mitchel Johnson became Postmaster.  Then in 1920, Crawford Bray was appointed Postmaster and he served under Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover. 

During the time that Mr. Combs, Mr. Wallen, Mr. Mitchel Johnson  and Mr. Bray were Postmasters the Post Office remained in the same location. 

When Mrs. Jennie Napier became Postmaster for a few months in 1932 the Post Office was moved into the stone building in the forks of the street where Kermit Smith's store is located.

Later in 1932 Mrs. Octavia M. Sturgill was confirmed as Postmaster and served in that position until 1953.  When Mrs. Sturgill became Postmaster she moved the Post Office into the Sue Sturgill Building where it remained until February 1, 1959.

On February 1, 1959, John Hicks, who became Postmaster on December 31, 1953, moved the Post Office into this building that was constructed according to Government specifications by Charlie Cornett. And here, more than likely, the Post Office will remain for at least 25 years.                                                                     
POSTMASTERS