The Postoffice was conducted by Rev. J. A. Clark in the early part of
the year, but he resigned and P. J. Bowdry was, after a spirited
contest, appointed to succeed him. Mr. Clark kept what there was of the
postoffice in the drug store of W. T. Ferguson. There was but little
order and decorum in its management, as the postmaster was anxious to be
relieved of his duties. It was not uncommon for the people to go behind
the counter and help themselves to their mail. Bowdry held the office
until July, 1874, when President Grant removed him to make a place for
Col. A. G. Malloy, of Tyler, who was of the same political faith. Malloy
held the office but a short time. In November he was appointed Collector
of Customs at Jefferson and he left at once. Bowdry, who had been his
deputy, was left in charge of the office. An effort was made to have L.
M. Barkley, the present Postmaster, appointed. His father, J. A.
Barkley, constituted the Republican party of Tarrant county at that
time, but his pull at Washington was not sufficient to secure the
appointment for his son and J. P. Alexander was appointed. He raised a
howl of protest at the very outset by moving the office to the corner of
Main and Third streets which was at that time "way out in the country."