Matthew E. Liebson
Ohio Quaker Postmarks

In the 19th century postmasters -- especially those of smaller offices -- were left to purchase their own postmarking devices, or to simply write their own manuscript markings.  "Quaker" postmarks were created by Quaker postmasters who used the Quaker system of dating (referring the months by number rather by name, due to the pagan origins of the month names).  To be included here, a Quaker marking must include the word "month" or its abbreviation.  All towns known to have used Quaker markings are listed below, illustrated where possible, and dates of use have been listed.  If you have additional items, please share!

Listed data is derived from items in my collection and those reported in the Ohio Postal History Journal over the past 25 years. See the following OPHJ issues for articles and updates:  Fall 1976 (Vol. I, No. 3); Winter 1977 (Vol. II, No. 1); Winter 1979 (Vol. IV, No. 1); July 1984 (#29); September 2000 (#93); March 2001 (#95); September 2001 (#97); December 2002 (#102); June 2003 (#104); March 2004 (#107).


Town
 Illustration
 Type
 EKU
 LKU
 Census
 Notes
 Source
Augusta
 see OPHJ #102
 Manuscript
 9/17/18??
1
 1870s, 3 cent banknote
 L. Ebersole collection
Colerain
Manuscript
 4/16/1839
 5/24/185?
 3
 Fall 1976 OPHJ p.33
 see census page
Colerain
 n/a
 Handstamp 1

0
26mm CDS; listed in Simpson-Alexander
Colerain
Handstamp 2
 1/12/18??
 12/21/18??
 10
31mm; see census page
Colerain
Handstamp 3
 4/17/1861
 7/15/1861
 11
37mm; see census page
Damascoville
Manuscript
 6/20/1837
 10/16/1846
 3
M. Liebson collection
Grissells
Manuscript
 2/26/18??
1
 must be 1818-1825
 M. Liebson collection
Martinsville
Manuscript
 4/20/1849
1
M. Liebson collection
Mount Pleasant
Manuscript
 9/5/1825
 9/12/1825
 2
M. Liebson collection; D. Pool
New Martinsburgh
 see OPHJ #95
 Manuscript
 3/14/185?
1
 with 3 cent 1851
 OPHJ #95
North Union
 n/a
 Manuscript
 1/1/1856
1
Winter 1977 OPHJ p. 6
Oak Hill
 n/a
 Manuscript
 2/8/1846
1
Fall 1976 OPHJ p.33
Pennsville
Manuscript
 8/13/1835
 8/27/185?
 4
see census page
Pennsville
 n/a
 Handstamp

0
Listed in Simpson/Alexander
Reading
Manuscript
 1/2/1840
1
M. Liebson collection
Richmond
 see OPHJ #95
 Manuscript
 2/23/1825
 6/5/1835
 2
OPHJ ##95, 97; Wean Sale 248
Waynesville
Manuscript
 1/23/1826
 7/31/18??
 2
 25 cent rate; pre-1845
 M. Liebson collection
Winona
 n/a
 Label
 11/3/1868
1
 red on white postmark label
 R.A. Siegel sale 790, lot 1804
Winona
 n/a
 Label
 1/5/18??
1
 black postmark label
 R.A. Siegel sale 790, lot 1805



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