Ringgold Roots Salutes Kellerton IA

JACKSON, PERKINS, KELLER, RHOADES

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 5/22/2010 at 03:05:07

Ringgold Roots
Ringgold County Genealogical Society
January, 1981

RINGGOLD ROOTS SALUTES KELLERTON
By Leland Rex JACKSON

This quarter Ringgold Roots has selected the town of Kellerton, located in the extreme eastern part of Ringgold County, Athens Township, Iowa.

Kellerton sprang to life in the fall of 1879, being the results of the coming of the railroad, the Leon, Mount Ayr and Southwestern RR. The town of New Chicago, which was located from what is now the southeastern corner of Kellerton, one-half mile south. They believed that the rail would be closer to them, but, with advance knowledge a number of interested persons purchased the land on which Kellerton now stands and proceeded to lay out the city. One of which was J. L. PERKINS, a resident in the area.

Kellerton was named for a Ringgold County judge, Isaac W. KELLER. When this had all taken place, it left the residents of New Chicago with little choice, if they wanted the services of the railroad, but to move. This they did. Buildings, lock, stock and barrel.

It is to Frank RHOADES, who is credited with the first store building in Kellerton, being built in the midst of an oat and corn field. The Kellerton post office came into being on October 23, 1879, and by the end of the first season there were about 170 residents in the new community.

In December 1881, the qualified voters were to choose whether to incorporate or not, and on the third day of that month a vote of 40 ballots were cast, 37 yea and three nay. It is in 1981 that Kellerton Centennial Committe has chosen for celebrating the town's 100 birthday. At the writing of this article the committee is planning several events by bringing friends and neighbors together for a short time recalling their inherited past.

A memorial book is in the making, though not all will be mentioned, it will serve as a stepping stone to many ancestors who pioneered this land.

Celebration dates are May 30-31 and August 8-9. Several souvenirs are to be presented, namely, a commemorative plate, spoon, button pins, and etc.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2010