Little Osage Postmasters (as best as can be determined)

   Bidders will observe, that the routes are in all cases to be let to the lowest guarantied proposal, and at the cheapest mode o conveyance, except where the size and weight of the mails, (without regard to travel,) or the speed called for in the schedules, shall require a higher mode of conveyance, and this the bidders are requested to specify.

   Proposals for carrying the mails of the U.S. from the 1st of July, 1846, to the 30 of June, 1850, inclusive in the State of Missouri, will be received at the Contract Office of the post Office Department, in the City of Washington, until 9 o'clock a.m. of the thirtieth day of April 1846, to be decided by the 24th day of May, on the routes, and in the manner, and time herein specified, to wit:

   4771.  from Rives Court-house, Rives county, by Deep Water, Pleasant Gap, and Batesville, to Little Osage, 50 miles and back once a week.

   Leave Rives Court-house every Wednesday at 12 m, arrive at Little Osage next day by 6 p.m.

   Leave Little Osage every Tuesday at 6 a.m., arrive at Rives Court-house next day by 10 a.m.

Springfield Advertiser; Springfield, Missouri; Saturday 28 February 1846, page 3

United States Mails.

Post Office Department, Washington, October 1, 1873.

   Proposals will be received at the Contract Office of the Department until 3 p.m. of February 3, 1874 (to be decided on or before March 2, 1874,) for conveying the mails of the United States in the State of Missouri, from July 1, 1874, to June 30, 1875, on the routes, and by the schedules of departures and arrivals herein specified; being routes established at third session of 41st Congress, first session of 43d Congress, and others.

   28390  From Little Osage to Nevada, 11 miles and back, three times a week.  Leave Little Osage Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8 a.m.; arrive at Nevada by 11 a.m.; leave Nevada Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1 p.m.; arrive at Little Osage by 4 p.m.  

   18400  From Little Osage, by Metz, Prior's Creek (n. o.) and Duncan Creek, to Barnesville (Kan.,) 16 miles and back, once a week.  Leave Little Osage Saturday at 7 a.m.; arrive at Barnesville by 12 m.; leave Barnesville Saturday at 1 p.m.; arrive at Little Osage by 6 p.m.

The State Journal, Jefferson City, Missouri; Friday 7 November 1873, page 2

   Gus Handley, the P.M. of Horton, went down to Balltown Dec. 30 and closed the postoffice at that place.  Little Osage postoffice is no more.  Free delivery will take its place.

The Weekly Post; Nevada, Missouri; Friday 3 January 1902

Vernon's First Postoffice No More

   Little Osage Postoffice, the first postoffice built in Vernon county, is a thing of the past.  It was located on what is now known as the Wardin place, four and three-fourths miles southeast of Metz.  R. L. Walker, who lives on the place, has the distinction of tearing down this old landmark.  The postoffice was established in 1840 or 1841 and Vernon was part of Bates county at that time.  Dr. Leonard Dodge was the first postmaster and the building was also the doctor's office.  The building was 12 x 12 feet in dimensions and was built entirely of native lumber.  The joists were of walnut and the frame and flooring of burroak.  The frame was mortised and pinned and the building was plastered and very substantially built.  The roof was of burroak clapboards.  Mr. Walker says some of the lumber was still in a fair state of preservation.  Mail was received at Little Osage Postoffice once a week--every Tuesday--from Fort Scott.  For many years the old building had been used as a storeroom for farming implements.

The Metz Times, Metz, MO.  Friday, April 23, 1915, page 1