Thomas J. Kellar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas J. Kellar
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Thomas J Kellar, mayor of Robbins, 1918
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| 1st Mayor of Robbins, Illinois | |
| In office 1931–1932 |
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| Preceded by | Samuel E. Nichols |
| Succeeded by | J.S. Richardson |
| In office 1925–1926 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Flowers |
| Succeeded by | Richard Flowers |
| In office 1918–1920 |
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| Preceded by | None |
| Succeeded by | R. H. Bryant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Kentucky |
| Spouse | Leona Kellar |
| Children | 1 |
Thomas J. Kellar was an important American leader. He was the very first mayor of Robbins, Illinois. Robbins was special because it was the first town in the northern United States that was completely run by African-Americans.
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About Thomas J. Kellar
Thomas J. Kellar was born in Kentucky. In 1880, he moved to Chicago. There, he worked for the Cook County Board of Assessors. This board helped decide the value of property for taxes.
Creating a New Town
On September 15, 1917, a man named Richard Flowers asked Kellar for help. Flowers led a group of Black residents living near Blue Island, Illinois. They wanted to create their own town. This new town would be the first all-Black community in Cook County, Illinois.
Kellar spoke to the Cook County Board. He explained his vision. He said, "The real way to help colored people is to make it possible for them to help themselves." He believed that if people had good transportation and homes, they would naturally build their own communities.
Robbins Becomes a Village
Some people doubted the idea of a Black-run city. But the Cook County Board eventually agreed. After a local vote, the village of Robbins was officially created. This happened on December 11, 1917. About 400 people lived there at the time.
Kellar's Time as Mayor
The first election in Robbins was held on January 15, 1918. Thomas J. Kellar was elected as the first mayor. Six other people were chosen to be trustees. They helped run the town.
Kellar was re-elected in April 1919. He served a full two-year term. By December 1919, the town had grown a lot. Its population had increased to 1,000 people. In April 1921, Kellar lost the election to R. H. Bryant.
However, Kellar was elected mayor again in 1925. He won against Richard Flowers. He was also elected mayor one more time in 1931.
Family Life
Thomas J. Kellar was married to Leona Kellar. They had one daughter together. Her name was Jewell Simington.
