Kelat, Kentucky
A History by J. W. Brannock
and Others Notes

Criswell's Threshers

HISTORY OF KELAT
1976

I am J.W. Brannock, being perhaps one among the oldest citizens of our community; having been asked to give the history of Kelat and to the best of my memory and with the information given me from my father J.R. Brannock, of happenings before my day, and I will now endeavor to do so. As a background leading up to that history I will first speak of my grandfather; Samuel Slade. Who in the upper 1870's owned and lived on the farm now owned by Eugene Patrick in the house that burned a few years ago. He also had a store located on a dirt road that ran along the lower edge of the farm near Curry Creek. My father, a young man in his 20's was employed by my grandfather Slade as clerk in his store for three years, at which time he purchased the business and operated there on his own perhaps a year or two. In the year 1883 he discontinued his business on Curry Creek and came to Kelat, at that time known as Fairview. That being the name of Fairview Baptist Church. He built a store on that same sight the store is now on. It was a two story building, size 24' by 50' with part basement and warehouse at back, and a platform separating the two building. The second floor was used for men's and boys clothing; hats, shoes, boots and etc. Both work and dress wear. The ground floor a stock of General Merchandise which was made more complete as time went on.

At the above mentioned time the only buildings in Fairview was Fairview Baptist Church and a Blacksmith Shop. I am not sure who operated the shop but think his name was Whitaker.

A one room school house with plank seats stood about 1/2 mile out the old Spider dirt road on or near the sight where Mrs. Spincer now lives. The entire area was surrounded by woodland. Wild turkeys were numerous and old timers did lots of turkey hunting.

The only metal road was the road leading from Berry out to the Falmouth Pike near Benson Church. All other roads were dirt or mud roads. My father J.R.B., took the contract from the County Officials to build a metal road from Fairview out to the Falmouth Pike where Kenneth Clifford now lives.

One may wonder why J.R.B. left an already established business on Curry and moved to the woods where no business was established. The only reason I can offer is that he was a man of unusual business ability and was able to see a distance ahead.

My father was the oldest member of the family and his brother, Ben the youngest and at that time was a 16 year old bashful boy. He was my father's helper in his business at Kelat and time proved him to he an outstanding, efficient, and dependable employee.

The business became thoroughly established and for a wide area in every direction whole families patronized the business for all their necessities.

Merchandising in country stores was altogether different in those days. Mothers made practically all their garments for the entire family. My father had a jeans rack which held 25 rolls of jeans. It came in round rolls perhaps 25 yards to the roll. He would fill that rack in the fall and have to refill some grades through the winter. Some mothers would make whole suits, both coats and pants for their everyday wear for boys and husbands.

Lots of country produce in those days. My father would buy most anything the farmer had to sell. He also bought and butchered and dressed turkeys both at Thanksgiving and at Christmas time and packed and shipped them to Eastern Markets. This made employment for many. Perhaps 20 or 25 for several days.

I well remember one time eggs got so plentiful you could scarcely get an outlet for them. Most merchants quit buying them. My father continued to buy them paying three cents per dozen. I don't remember how he came out.

Traveling salesmen were numerous. They would come to Berry by rail, get a rig at the Livery Stable there and call on the different merchants. Shoe or dry goods salesmen who had to carry so many samples with several heavy trunks had to have a spring wagon to haul their trunks and shoes. Shoe salesmen especially would spend the most part of a day with my father displaying their samples and taking orders.

All merchandise was shipped to Robinson by freight or express and hauled out to Kelat on a two horse jolt wagon. Also all produce was hauled to Robinson on wagon and shipped by rail to Commission Markets. In hunting season we would sometimes ship four or 500 rabbits at one time. Ten large coops of poultry and 25 cases of eggs; 30 dozen to each case. The business increased in volume and patronage and my father had to have extra help other than his brother Ben. Before her marriage to Dr. Lang, Aunt Lizzie Slade was for sometime an employee. I grew up in the store and helped what I could between school and it was my delight. He had other employees at times.

Up to now I have dwelt mostly on the history of my father's business. I will now proceed to give the History of other business adventures and the Kelat fire.

In the early 1900's, perhaps 1905, another store room was built just across the Berry road from Brannock Store. The organization consisted of a stock company which bore the name of Kelat Mercantile Co. Harry Berry was at that time the general manager of Blue Grass Mercantile Co. He had under him as I remember two employees, He would come out to Kelat quite often and check on the business. They operated under this organization for several years when the business was transferred to M. Petty and son. John Petty was then general manager who operated the business for several years during which time he also had a Huskster route. Clyde Stamper was also an employee in the store.

John also operated a corn mill mostly on Saturdays. He grew corn for feed and was noted for making extra good corn meal. After a period of several years the business was transferred to other parties. I don't remember who was first, but several different transfers were made. The last one being Theadore Rose which the store building burned while in his possession.

Kelat also had a ladies hat or millinery shop located in the North West corner on the second floor of the old store building. An outside stair-way led to the hat shop. The business was later moved to an outside building which was built for that purpose. Mrs. Rebecca Brannock, wife of Ben Brannock, operated the shop. The women all wore hats in those days and the business received a good patronage, coming from several miles around.

A garage across the road from Brannock's Store was for several years operated by Raymond Ecklar until on account of ill health retired. Raymond was a good mechanic and got all the work he could do. John Thomas then took over and operated the garage for a short time. The same building is at this time being used by Howard Lyons in the manufacturing of pony carts, dog houses, and outside toilets.

Until recent years Kelat had a Barber Shop. My memory of the first one was Joe Dunn who lived in the house now owned by Carl and Helen Blackburn. For some time barbered in one room of his house. Then later a building once used for a millinery shop was converted into a Barber Shop. Several barbers operated there. Adison Wheeler, Will Jenkins, Mr. Simpson, Clarence Hill, Ed Oldham; he perhaps serving longer than the others.

Until the day of autos, trucks, and other power driven machinery the Blacksmith Shop was one of the leading businesses in Kelat. The main shop was located on the corner across from the store. This one had a number of different owners and employees. I can remember most of them. Elihue Wilson and Tom Cumbers, and his son-in-law. Jesse Colvin, James Wolfe, Bob Asbury, Willis and Harvey Criswell, Gran Dogget and perhaps others that I don't recall. In 1938 the second shop was built on the lot now owned by Carl and Helen Blackburn; at that time J.W. Brannock. Employees then were James Wolfe and Ethel Philips who operated for several years. That shop burned after Carl and Helen Blackburn became owners. In icy, slick times then the blacksmiths would have hard days. Many farmers would have their horses shod with toes on shoes in front and sharp corks at back. Horses would be lined up most all day waiting their turn to be shod. That kind of shoes prevented the horses from falling.

Another lively business before the day of autos was buggies. Every young man wanted to see who could have the nicest rig. Adison Wheeler and J.W. Brannock were the Buggy Dealers and also harnesses, etc. In the early spring of 1910 they put a building on the sight where Howard and Mavis Lyons now live. This building was 24' by 60', large enough to hold a carload of buggies, which was 16 or 18 with an aisle in the center that if a buggy in back was sold it could be rolled out. In early spring the building would be filled with the buggies, assorted colors, and quality. When the sun began to shine the buggies began to roll out. I remember one time we sold a young man three buggies the same year. He would see one he liked a little better, another color or style. He would sell the one he had or sometimes take in his on the one bought. When the day of automobiles came the buggy business began to wane and was soon discontinued.

My first memory of school buildings was on the sight where Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Harris now live. However, I think there must have been another one room school house other then the one mentioned on the old Spider Road. Out on the metal road perhaps on the same sight of the house I remembered. The school district was a large one. Down the Berry road including the family where Mr. Burgess now lives. Down the Robinson Road; the family where Leonard Bell now lives. Out the Benson Road; the Estil Simpson old house. Down the old Spider Road; the old Gillispie house, and the old Craig house. As I remember the pupil enrollment was about 125 and it became necessary for a larger building.

The house of my first memory was a two story building; the second story was occupied by the Masonic Lodge. The first floor for school, which had two rooms, one for primary classes, the other for higher grades and of course two teachers. These pupils all walked to school and carried lunch and felt right up to date and was.

This School house was built between the middle and upper 1890's and burned to the ground a few years later. I was one of the pupils at that time. Mr. T.J. Smith was the teacher. Mr. Smith had the pupils to file out and carry the benches, books, etc. out as they went out. When they all got out Mr. Smith watched the building burn. I remember seeing the big tears roll down his cheeks. At that time there was a vacant dwelling house at the forks of the Berry and Robinson road and the school term was finished there in that house. Another school house, a one story building was built and ready for the next school term. This building also burned a few years later and another one built and used until the Kelat School District merged with the Berry High School. The school house was then purchased by Mr. John Spradling and was converted into a dwelling house. The same house is now owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Harris.

In the year 1886 Dr. R.H. Lang, a young doctor just out of medical college located at the little village, Fairview, afterwards named Kelat. He and my Uncle Ben Brannock had their bedroom on the second floor of my father's first store building. This being the same room referred to earlier, that was later occupied by Mrs. Rebecca Brannock for a ladies hat store, with outside entrance by stairway. The back portion of the room was curtained off and used by Dr. Lang for his office. Dr. Lang was graciously accepted by the entire community for several miles area and soon established a big practice. His patients had confidence in his medical ability. I heard a lady remark when she got sick she sent for Dr. Lang and as soon as he entered the door she began to feel better. The year he came to Kelat was the year of my birth. I heard him state that I was the first baby he assisted in bringing into the world, after coming out of medical college. He said he felt a little nervous about it but everything came out all right. In his early practice his conveyance was mostly by horse back. He had a run and walk saddle horse. I have heard people say they could often hear the patter of his horses feet through the night hours. Later on he used a horse and buggy for his travels and when the day of the automobile came he was among the first in our community to own one and used it in the latter days of his practice with Raymond Ecklar as his driver. In those days you could call a doctor and he was soon by the bedside to give relief day or night. In our modern day you can scarcely get a doctor to make a house call out in the rural section, but want you to come to the hospital for tests or treatment. With all the advantages of our modern hospital equipment I cherish them good old days of years ago.

In his early fifties Dr. Lang began to fail in health and at the age of 56 passed on to his Eternal home.

About the year 1908 Dr. Geo. F. Henry who was practicing from his office at Hightower moved to Kelat and joined Dr. Lang; since his failing health he was not physically able to take care of all his heavy practice. Dr. Henry too, was one of those faithful country doctors who would go when called day or night, snow or rain. I have seen him when snow was drifted and roads impassable for automobiles and very cold and windy. On his horse and saddle with his high collar, ulcer overcoat on and knit cap pulled over his ears on his way to relieve some suffering one and often knowing just a slight chance of receiving any pay. Such a kind sacrifice and exposure is not often seen in our modern day. Dr. Henry continued his practice at Kelat for several years after the death of Dr. Lang when his health began to fail and in his early 80's passed on to his reward.

In the late teens or early twenties Dr. B.M. Manning came to Kelat and set up an office in his residence. After practicing a short time he decided to go to New York for an extended medical course, after which he returned and resumed his practice for a time. He was well liked and fast building up a good practice when he decided to set up an office in Cynthiana where he established a big practice. Some of his patients while at Kelat continued to use him as their family doctor after he moved his office to Cynthiana. He began to fail in health perhaps in his late sixties or early seventies and soon passed to his Eternal home.

For several years Kelat had some one operating a restaurant. I do not remember the date of the first one or who was first to start the business. But will mention the several different ones I remember to operate the restaurant business. Namely Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Wells, Mr. and Mrs. Remus Hill, Mrs. Amy Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rose, Mr. and Mrs. Theadore Hardin, and Lawrence Gillispie. As best I remember they all operated the business in the same building which was located just across the road from Brannock's Store. Theadore Rose was the last one with the restaurant, which he had in connection with his store business; formerly M. Petty and Son which the building burned while in his possession. For quite a time the restaurant business seemed to return a fair profit.

An outstanding citizen of Kelat was Jimmie Pigg. Though he could not walk a step, he was full of business activity and sought to engage himself in some business activity. His way of travel was to push himself around in a chair. For awhile he operated a confectionary and received a good patraonage. Jimmie had many friends who were always doing something to give him a lift. Some of the women would make him ice cream. He would freeze it with a hand freezer and sell it in cones or saucers. Before the Bell Telephone service reached Kelat we had a local telephone service that reached out three or four miles. The switchboard was installed in one room of Jimmie's dwelling and for some time Jimmie was switchboard operator. Early one morning the news flashed out that Jimmie had suddenly passed away with a heart attack. Perhaps in his late fifties. This was sad news for his many friends.

In the early history of Fairview I do not know how or where the rural citizens for a few miles around got their mail. I feel sure a short time after my father established his general merchandise business there, that the citizens of the community were successful in getting a Post Office. I do not know in what year it was, but some time soon after 1883. When the U.S. Postal Service requested a name for the office be sent in, the Fairview was given them which was rejected for the reason that there was already a Post Office by that name in Kentucky. Another name was sent in which was also rejected for the same reason. Mr. T.J. Smith, a school teacher, asked that he be permitted to send in a name that he felt sure they would accept. He sent in the name Kelat which at that time was the capital of Beluchistan, a foreign country. The name was accepted and this is where and how Kelat got its name. Pretty soon the Post Office was established and operating. I am not sure who the first Post Master was, but think it was John Whitaker in a P.O. building across the road from the Brannock's Store. Later on, I do not know for what reason, my father J.R.B. was Post Master and the Post Office was in his store for several years and still later on Mr. Louis Eaton was Post Master and the Post Office was moved in the store then operated by Kelat Mercantile Co. where it remained until the day of rural delivery. I am quite sure these changes of Post Masters was by request of Post Master in charge.

The Fairview Baptist Church was organized and built in the year 1873. 1 do not know the background of the organization or who composed the charter members. I remember in my early days when they would be filled to capacity on Saturday night and also on the Sabbath. The building now in use is the original building, much improvement has been given it down through the years and has recently been modernized into a beautiful country church.

The Benson United Methodist Church was organized and built in the year 1876; the Fairview Baptist being three years its senior. Benson United Methodist will observe its 100th Anniversary in 1976. It also is the original building and has somewhat been modernized.

Up to now I have endeavored to give the highlights of the business, church, and school activities of Kelat. I will now attempt to describe the fire that almost put the business end of Kelat off the map, but only for a short time. On October 26, 1899, the morning of my 13th birthday, shortly after midnight my father was awakened by a neighbor, Mrs. Fannie Dunn, who lived just across the road from my father's barn. She told him she smelt smoke and that it seemed to be coming from his barn. He soon got to the barn and found the fire to be in the hay, and the loft was full of loose hay. He attempted to put it out but failed and soon the blaze was going out at the roof and my father then began to get the livestock out of the barn.

The barn was located where Andrew Hill's work shop now stands and there was a continual row of buildings between the barn and the store, including the turkey slaughtering buildings, warehouse, and etc. Soon the blaze reached the store and by that time the road was full of people who began carrying merchandise out of the store. Some carrying water trying to save other buildings. Across the road from the store was a continual row of buildings, including Dr. Lang's office and barn, dwelling, Post Office, Blacksmith's Shop; altogether nine buildings were burned to the ground.

One incident I well remember, was my mother, all who knows her knows her religious life, she was between the dwelling house where we lived, now where Andrew Hill lives, and the fire. When the fire was at its very highest she got out and watched it all go up in flames and got happy and shouted until all, all around, that were there could hear her. It was not because she was happy that the buildings were burning, but that she had victory over the whole procedure.

Had it not been for the desperate efforts of those who had gathered on the scene both the Fairview Baptist Church and the barn nearby would have also burned. As it was, the paint on the side and front of the church was scorched brown. The steam rolled off the church and barn as the water was thrown on. This all happened in a very dry time when cisterns were very low and not much water available. The rural section had no fire protection in those days.

Soon the rebuilding program started; most buildings were replaced. My father was several days deciding if he would rebuild the store and continue the merchandise business. His friends insisted and several offered to give him free labor if he would rebuild and continue his merchandise business. Mr. John Ecklar who owned a farm out the Blackburn road with some woodland with big timber in it, offered to donate the trees sufficient for the frame work. It was then about the middle of November. He was back in business with a limited stock of merchandise, by about December 15th, in time for the Christmas Holiday trade. The stock of merchandise was gradually increased to a full stock of general merchandise.

My father continued the business under the name of J.R. Brannock until the year 1908 when he, his brother Ben and J.R. Brannock formed a partnership under the firm name of J.R. Brannock, Son, and Brother. At this time father seemed to desire to be exempt from further public life and gave the merchandise business very little concern, leaving the general management to the other members of the firm, yet retaining one third interest. He then turned his attention to farming which he persued his remaining active days. The firm continued to operate until the year 1935, a period of 27 years. A number of employees were employed during that period. Hersil Carr, Jesse Robinson, each serving several years. Several others for a short time or at intervals.

In January 1935 the two senior members of the firm was ready to retire from any further public life, suggested to J.W. Brannock that he purchase their share and continue the business which, he did under the firm name J.W. Brannock. With help of his two boys Robert and Ralph also Willard Rose who served for two years, and Billy and Edwin Hill each for a time. Also J.C. Petty who we called the old reliable; was called on often to give us a lift. The business continued for several years in this capacity when Hiram Stamper became the owner and operator. In a period of time Luther Beckett then in business at Sunrise joined Hiram on a 50-50 basis. They continued the business as partners several years when Walker Beckett purchased Hiram's interest. He and Luther operating a period of time when Neville and Thelma Haley purchased the business continuing a few years when Robert Brannock became the next and last owner and is at this time operating the business. Some where along the way the firm name was changed to Brannock's Store and is still being operated under that name.

I do not recall who owned the Blacksmith's Shop when it burned but it was rebuilt by some one and the business was continued on until the days when the Blacksmith business was no more in demand.

Most of the other buildings were replaced. And Kelat was soon back to normal in business activities.

I have given the highlights of the history of Kelat that our young generation and the generations to come might know why and how Kelat became a reality and got on the map. And in this year 1976 our citizens join faithfully together with the people of our great nation in the celebration of its Bicentennial Anniversary.

J.W.B.

GAS SOLD IN KELAT

First gas sold in Kelat was a little building, about the size of, I'll say a one room chicken coop, no it wasn't that big, about four by six. We had a tank in there for oil, another tank for gasoline, and we drew it up in a container and took a funnel and poured it in the car and the oil, drew it out of a barrel. Building was between store is now and back about 50'. Pumps were put in under a firms name and never sold anything but Standard until 1976 and was changed to Texaco.

I can remember when we got oil; no gasoline then, out of Falmouth in 50 gallon wooden barrels. We'd send a jolt wagon to Falmouth, two horses and it held seven barrels, and put that in first floor, barrel, barrel at a time. Piped to basement. Didn't last long as everyone used coal oil.

J.W.B.

OTHER IN OR MIS
INFORMATION ABOUT
KELAT

The remainder of this booklet is taken from "The Memories of John E. Spradling"; conversations with his widow, Mrs. Ethel Hardin Spradling of Alexandria, Ky., Mrs. Ethel Sellars Robinson, Mrs. Mae Sellars Rose, Mrs. Delilah Criswell Carr, Mrs. Emma Roberts Tinney, and Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Brannock; news clippings from the past "Falmouth Outlook" and ' Log Cabins weeklies." Note and record books from Dr. and Mrs. R.H. Lang's possessions and my own memories, and makes no claim to absolute accuracy.

Anna Jean Lyons

After Mr. J.W. Brannock finished his written history, I was given a tape recording of the memories of John Spradling written by him in the late 1950's. In these memories he related the coming to Harrison County, Ky. of his father, Abe Spradling and their settling near what would later be Kelat. His father had passed on to him the family's participation in the Civil War. His father and his father's six brothers served in the Union Army, as did others from the Conrey neighborhood. Mr. Spradling's wife's great-grandfather Jerry Lawson, old and deaf was killed in the courthouse, after a surrender in the Battle of Cynthiana. He lived on Eureka Road.

Mr. Spradling told how Tom Hutton, Henderson Petty and Abe Spradling decided in 1883; the year the Brannock Store was built, to build a road from Kelat to Berry, as the horses would sink up to their knees in mud at times. Newt Hardin, Jack McNees, and John Doan also built a mile. They first went to see the county about help with it.

The school house sent to Berry about 1931 or 1932, and the Masonic Lodge Hall built after the last school fire, were the centers of community social affairs.

The students put on elaborate programs for holidays and school closing time; but many times the adults had plays, minstrels, and other programs also. There were Box and Pie Suppers, and Oyster Stews for fun and at times for fund raising.

Mr. John Spradling in his "Memories" written in the late 1950's spoke of the rivalry that existed between area schools in Spell Downs. He mentioned three schools, Kelat, Old Beech, and Warner, and relates a particularly heated contest between Kelat and Warner; using the Blue Back and the Butler Spellers.

From local people's memories and newspaper clippings we have the following named as teachers at various times: T.J. Smith, Rose Lowther, Jim Watson, Lida White, Harry Truax, Lawrence Hardin, Sherman Hardin, Maude Florence, Bernice Clark, Sam, Elmer and Jim Moore, Addie and Lewis Eaton, Currie Slageter, Mrs. Middleton, and Mark Earl?

In the twenties and early thirties, money was scarce but the people made their own fun. The older women often picked up their mending and children and went to spend the day with a neighbor, or the women would gather and quilt: three or four, on each side of a long frame.

Couples also enjoyed life as noted in some 1926 news clippings:

"T. Lyons with his 'skeeter' and Alfred Ecklar with his goat and wagon and the girls are having great times joyriding."

"A fishing party, of an uncertain number, paid their respects to the finny tribe last Saturday, baiting and hooking more than one hundred of the waters inhabitants and had a big time "picnicing" besides, with Mrs. Id Carr as chaperon. They were all so "tickled" that they now think of starting a sardine "factory."

August 11, 1939: "The croquet game has supplanted the horseshoe pitching game. The croqet grounds here, being liberally patronized."

Kelat Correspondent

There was also the "Bean Club of 1926," with the elected officers and a candy pull and oyster soup as recorded events.

Many of the older men were Civic minded. There are records of the organization of a Kelat Farmers Union No. 1040 on 9-17-1890 with charter members (8); A.T. Rankin, Pres., the Fairview and Kelat Turnpike Co. and the long service of the Masonic Lodge, Taylor No. 164 at Kelat.

NEWS CLIPPINGS OF KELAT CORRESPONDENT DATED 1-12-1940 READ:

"At the regular election of officers of Kelat Lodge, F. and A.M. on Dec. 27th, the following were elected: A.M. Carr, Master; J.C. Petty, Senior Warden; Sam Spradling, Junior Warden; N.B. Spradling, Junior Warden; N.B. Spradling, Secy.; J.W. Jones, Treas.; J.E. Spradling, Tyler; Chas. Hicks, Senior Deacon, and Chas. Riddell, Junior Deacon."

Kelat Correspondent

"On last Sunday night, the residence of Hiram Stamper caught fire. It was discovered before it made headway. The telephone was used to good advantage and in a few minutes some 25 or 30 neighbors were on the scene. The fire was extinguished without much damage."

NOTE: After the death of Jimmy Pigg, Mr. and Mrs. Oran Florence and daughter Mattie, operated the Telephone Exchange for several years, thus keeping our village in touch with other areas of the county.

The following are from a scrap book clipping from "The Log Cabin" about 1926, concerning the garage, barber shop and blacksmith shop. It reads like Dr. Geo. F. Henry's style.

"From the little acorn we have the tall oak, so it was with the garage at this place. It was established some time in March 1919 or about seven years ago. Raymond Ecklar was the founder of the business. He began with a few wrenches and a hammer or two and but little fore knowledge--not a very encouraging future to put it tersely. He had the tenacity and bull dog courage to stick, until now the boy has a finely equipped building, including a helper, in the person of T. Lyons. Mr. Ecklar's business grows for the reason that he is a good mechanic and gives good honest work. He merits the success he is having."

There is also in my possession a printed invitation card 2 1/2" by 4 1/2", to Alma Lang. It reads:

December 28, 1909

The members of the Kelat Cornet Band request your presence at the Box Supper given by them at Kelat, December 28th, 1909, and will be greatly disappointed should you fail to come. Bring a Box full of nice things along with your presence.

J.W. Brannock
P.E. Hill
R.E. Asburly
Committee

The band played for many events throughout this area. Its members practiced faithfully and the band was a source of Community pride, we are told.

A. Jean Lyons

More scrap book clippings from "The Log Cabin."

"Oh yes, we have a barber shop, too, presided over by Willis Simpson, as slick a shaver as ever honed a razor or let a piece of shiny steel slide over a face. He's a bobber from birth and can run the shears like magic through a "gals" hair. As a beauty parlor outfit he is some pumpkin."

"Now as to the blacksmith shop: Mr. Ben Whitaker came along at the right moment and bought the whole thing of E.M. Keneedy, including the property where John Sellars now lives. From this time on the blacksmith shop changed hands fully a (incomplete).

June 1936: "Our village is again without a blacksmith. Mr. Phillips, who has been with us some three or four years, having moved to Berry and opened up shop. He is a good smith and a mighty good man, accomodating as few are. He will be missed greatly. This is a good opening however."

Dr. R.H. Lang directed the Kelat Brass Band. I have no information at this time to date its beginnings, but have a picture with the following identified as members: Jimmy Simpson, Willis Simpson, Luther Maupin, Bill Miller, King Whitaker, Theo Rose, John Barnes, Ed Simpson, Stamp Whitaker, Buck Elliott, Tom Roberts, ? Simpson, Mortie Simpson, Wellie Lang, Dr. Lang. The little child is Iral Lang, Dr. son, who drummed when older and able. He appears a young child three or four years old in the picture and was born Dec. 1896.

Restaurant Operators: Mr. Jimmy Pigg built and operated the first Confectionary. Other restaurant owners were:

Mrs. Remus Hill, Deliah Carr, Amy Hunt, Mae Rose, Alma Ecklar, Mary Stein, Tommy Wells,

Howard and Edna Smith, Pete and Raymond Gillespee, Henry Dance, Russell Wright, B. Frank Smith, and Ed and Sudie Hill.

Several tested and bought cream at Kelat; Deliah Carr, Louise Stamper, Halene Sandy, and Walker Beckett.

Several homes would take in boarders for overnight, sometimes longer. Mrs. Chas. (Fannie Asbury) Hicks did lots of this during the 1930's. A fur buyer, Mr. Hanley from Cincinnati stayed at our house, Mrs. R.H. Langs, many times; so did those whose car could not be repaired until the next day.

During the depression years many tramps as they were called, stopped to ask for food and I never say one denied food and sometimes offered lodging too. Some of them were fine people, but broke and would often work awhile too.

We are proud of the high standards of honesty, morality, and neighborliness that have prevailed most of the time in our small community. This we feel is due to the influence of our churches; they were established before the leaders as the village developed.

Mr. Spradling in his "Memories" relates a great revival at Fairview Baptist in 1878. Brother Burgess was the pastor and Brother Amos Stout the preacher. Many came to the Lord and joined the church. The congregation is active and growing rapidly in 1976.

He also tells of another great meeting in 1884, when S.L. Walker was appointed to a Circuit of Benson, Curry, Berry, and Renaker Methodist Churches as their Pastor. He started a revival, preaching in the Eureka school; had such good results it continued about a month there. He then continued the meeting in the Old Beech School. Mr. Spradling told of the conversion of many, himself one of them, and how many died in the next few years with a bright testimony on their lips. More of Benson Methodist Church's history has been printed separately.

The Methodist Parsonage for Benson and Curry Churches was a part of Kelat from Jan. 1896 until the fall of 1975, when they sold and built a new one on U.S. 27 about three miles away. Many pastors; families added greatly to the spiritual life of all the community families.

For several years the Ky. and Cincinnati Post was delivered door to door through Kelat. Known carriers were Martin S. Petty, Carl P., A. Jean, and Bobby Lyons.

Today the Post is delivered by car and the Cynthiana Democrat, weekly carries the local news. The Democrat staff has been most helpful in the preparation of this history, which was prepared as a part of Benson Church's 100th Year celebration. 1876-1976.

A. Jean Lyons

J.W. Brannock and Sons Store

Kelat Brass Band

John Petty, merchant

Ray Ecklar and Jim Pigg, mechanic and telephone operator

Dr. and Mrs. R.H. Lang

Howard and Edna Smith, Restaurant owners

Mrs. Carrie Slageter, Teacher with Alma Ecklar

Dr. George F. Henry

Neville Hicks’ airplane
For rides and stunt shows

John Petty’s steam mill

Nannie and J.R. Brannock, First store owners