You’ll find Kelsey’s ghost town remnants in Upshur County, Texas, where Mormon settlers established a thriving colony in 1899. At its peak in 1923, this Latter-day Saint sanctuary housed 750 residents, complete with the first gymnasium in East Texas and a 50-piece brass band. Economic changes forced its decline, leading to the school’s closure in 1943 and the ward’s merger in 1958. The town’s red brick ruins and historical markers now whisper stories of this unique religious settlement.
Key Takeaways
- Once a thriving Mormon settlement founded in 1898, Kelsey became a ghost town after economic decline and population dispersal.
- The community peaked at 750 residents in 1923 before gradually declining due to changing economic conditions.
- Closure of Kelsey School in 1943 and merging of the Kelsey Ward in 1958 marked significant steps toward abandonment.
- The town’s remaining structures include historic buildings and remnants of the business district that once served the community.
- Located in Upshur County, Texas, Kelsey was established by John Edgar and served as a sanctuary for Latter-day Saints.
The Mormon Colony’s Beginnings
While traveling from Arizona to Alabama in 1899, brothers Jim and John Edgar discovered promising land in Upshur County, Texas that would become the Mormon colony of Kelsey.
John Edgar, who’d converted to Mormonism in Alabama in 1890, purchased the land in 1898 and quickly began recruiting fellow Saints from across the South through church publications and missionary work.
Despite colonial challenges, early leadership established strong foundations. A small chapel was built to serve the growing community of Saints. The colony received official church approval as a sanctuary for persecuted southern Mormons, and Apostle Abram O. Woodruff arrived in 1902 to formally dedicate the settlement. The population flourished and reached 750 residents by 1923.
Life in Early Kelsey Settlement
As the newly established Mormon colony took shape, Kelsey’s population grew steadily from nine Latter-day Saint families in 1901 to nearly 400 residents by 1906.
You’d have found a tight-knit community where church-centered gatherings and agricultural practices defined daily life. The settlers, primarily from southern states, worked the red-clay hills to produce strawberries, cantaloupes, and corn. The early settlers’ determination mirrored that of famous frontier scout Kelsay, Medal recipient who had previously blazed trails in the American West.
They’d established essential infrastructure early on, including a post office in 1902 and surveyed town lots by 1904.
The Marshall and East Texas Railway’s branch line proved vital for shipping farm products and connecting with neighboring areas.
Community gatherings centered around the church, where Sunday Schools and regular meetings strengthened social bonds. The colony provided a safe haven for southern converts facing persecution in their home states.
The Rise and Impact of Kelsey Academy
When the Kelsey School District formed in 1907, the establishment of Kelsey Academy marked a pivotal moment in the settlement’s development.
The James Marshall, a notable community figure, helped establish the original schoolhouse that predated the Academy.
By 1911, you’d find a striking two-story red brick schoolhouse that served the growing Latter-day Saint population, staffed primarily by Mormon missionaries who balanced religious instruction with public education requirements.
The Academy’s educational influence extended beyond academics. You’ll discover it housed the first gymnasium in East Texas – Bennion Hall – completed in 1929.
At its peak in 1923, it supported a community of 750 residents, fostering unprecedented community cohesion through social gatherings and shared values.
A 50-piece brass band added to the vibrant social life of the Academy, with members performing at local dances and events.
The unique partnership between church and state allowed the Academy to thrive until 1943, when its closure and the subsequent busing of students to Gilmer marked the beginning of Kelsey’s decline into a ghost town.
From Thriving Community to Abandonment
The bustling streets of Kelsey in 1923 painted a deceptive picture of permanence, with 750 residents going about their daily routines in this thriving Mormon settlement.
Much like Texana during its decline, Kelsey’s story would become another chapter in Texas ghost town history.
The community dynamics would soon shift dramatically as economic changes reshaped the region. Like the coal mining town of Thurber that faced decline when oil-burning locomotives emerged, Kelsey’s fate was sealed by changing times. You’d have witnessed the gradual unraveling of this once-vibrant town through several key developments:
- The closure of Kelsey School in 1943, forcing children to be bused to Gilmer
- A declining business climate that led to the Kelsey Ward’s merger with other branches in 1958
- The abandonment of the business district as economic opportunities dwindled
- The dispersal of LDS residents to nearby communities, though some remained faithful to their roots by attending services in Gilmer
These changes transformed Kelsey from a flourishing religious settlement into a ghost town, marking the end of an era in East Texas history.
Legacy in Texas Religious History
Establishing itself as a pivotal sanctuary in Texas religious history, Kelsey became the “mother colony” for Latter-day Saint settlements across the state after its founding in 1899.
Founded in 1899, Kelsey emerged as a beacon for Mormon settlements throughout Texas, establishing itself as the state’s pioneering LDS community.
You’ll find its legacy deeply woven into the religious migration patterns of the early 20th century, as it provided a haven for LDS members fleeing persecution from southern states and even as far as New York.
The settlement’s influence extended beyond its physical boundaries through the Kelsey Academy and its robust church activities. Multiple denominations worked together to foster a spirit of community cooperation.
While the town itself may have faded, its cultural preservation efforts continue through time capsules, historical markers, and documented church histories.
The LDS Church’s strategic placement of Kelsey helped strengthen their presence in East Texas, fundamentally shaping the region’s religious landscape for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Remaining Mormon Families in Kelsey Today?
Like deep roots in fertile soil, you’ll find about 100 remaining descendants of Mormon pioneers still living in or near Kelsey today, maintaining their community influence through the Gilmer 1st Ward.
What Natural Disasters or Events Contributed to Kelsey’s Decline?
You won’t find evidence of drought impact or flood damage affecting Kelsey’s decline. Historical records show the town’s downfall was purely due to economic factors, primarily the 1917 railroad closure.
How Many Students Attended Kelsey Academy at Its Peak?
You’ll find student enrollment at Kelsey Academy reached between 30-50 students during its peak years, with historical estimates pointing to roughly 40 students attending this rural Texas school.
Did Kelsey Have Its Own Cemetery, and Does It Still Exist?
Yes, Kelsey cemetery exists today. You’ll find this historic burial site, established in 1902, still preserved through family stewardship. In 1972, it was gifted to Kelsey’s community descendants.
Were There Any Notable Conflicts Between Mormon Settlers and Local Residents?
You won’t find evidence of notable conflicts between Mormon settlers and locals in Kelsey. Despite Mormon migration being driven by persecution elsewhere, historical records don’t show local tensions in this Texas settlement.
References
- https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/5185/
- https://dbpedia.org/page/Kelsey
- http://texasghosttowns.blogspot.com/2012/01/kelsey-upshur-county-november-2010.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Texas
- https://kids.kiddle.co/Kelsey
- https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth61101/
- https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/kelsey-tx
- https://www.texasescapes.com/EastTexasTowns/Kelsey-Texas.htm
- http://amateurmormonhistorian.blogspot.com/2009/08/kelsey-texas-mormon-colony.html
- https://www.thechurchnews.com/1988/3/5/23264126/time-capsule-holds-history-of-kelsey-early-lds-colony-in-northeast-texas/
