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 politician. He was the very first mayor of Robbins, Illinois. Robbins was special because it was the first town in the northern United States completely led by African-Americans.
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About Thomas J. Kellar
Thomas J. Kellar was born in Kentucky. He moved to Chicago in 1880. There, he worked for the Cook County Board of Assessors. This board helped decide the value of property for taxes.
Founding Robbins, Illinois
In 1917, a group of Black residents living near Blue Island, Illinois wanted to create their own town. Richard Flowers, who led this group, asked Kellar for help. They wanted to form a new town that would be fully governed by African-Americans. This would be the first such town in Cook County, Illinois.
Kellar spoke to the Cook County Board. He explained that Black people could help themselves if they had their own community. He believed that with good transportation and housing, they would naturally build a strong town.
Robbins Becomes a Village
Some people on the Cook County Board were unsure about the idea. However, they eventually agreed. After a local vote, the village of Robbins was officially created on December 11, 1917. About 400 people lived there at that time.
The first election for the new village happened on January 15, 1918. Thomas J. Kellar was elected as the first mayor. Six other people were chosen as trustees to help run the village. These included Richard Flowers, Leroy P. Thomas, R. H. Bryant, Jerry Taylor, Edward Brown, and George Winburn.
Kellar's Time as Mayor
Kellar was re-elected in April 1919 for a full two-year term. By December 1919, the population of Robbins had grown to 1,000 people. In the April 1921 election, R. H. Bryant defeated Kellar.
However, Kellar was elected mayor again in 1925. He won against Richard Flowers that time. He was elected one more time in 1931.
Kellar's Family Life
Thomas J. Kellar was married to Leona Kellar. They had one daughter named Jewell Simington.
