Many of the first settlers to arrive in Chester Township lived near an area that became know as Big Springs.  The location received its name from the many flowing (artesian) wells found there.  Spanning the border between Wright and Chester Townships, a small settlement quickly grew.  Big Springs boasted a post office, general store, school and the first cemetery in the township.

When the village of Conklin was established in 1886, the general store building was moved there.  Although the Big Springs School remained open until 1968, the settlement itself ceased to exist in late 1891 when the post office closed.

Big Springs’ post office opened on May 18, 1850. This post office served for forty-one years until November 19, 1891.

Seven people served as postmasters in Big Springs, with two of them each serving on two separate occasions.  Postmasters serving the Big Spring post office were: