Lot
993 
(Missouri Territory) "St Louis, July. 17", two-line postmark and manuscript "30" cent war surcharge rating on 1815 to Lexington Ky., horizontal fold wear, otherwise Very Fine and scarce War of 1812 surcharge use, Alexander notes this as the EKU of straightlines. Estimate $300 - 400.
Straightline postmarks were first adopted when Dr. Robert Simpson became the postmaster of St. Louis in 1815. He was the second Postmaster at St. Louis, serving from 1815 to 1818. He was a physician by training. He moved to St. Louis from Maryland in 181, married Rufus Easton's sister, and became the Assistant Postmaster to his brother-in-law. He succeeded Easton as Postmaster in 1815, when Easton resigned to become the territorial delegate to Congress. He maintained use of the straightline postmarks throughout his tenure until his death on September 11, 1818.
Realized: $375