100 Years of Farming for Sellers

This appeared in the Chariton Herald-Patriot on March 21, 2013, by Sandra Knebel

Joe Sellers, the Beef Specialist at Iowa State University's Extension office in Chariton says

that farming had a big influence on his family.  Joe, his brother, Thomas, and his father all went to Iowa State University and majored in animal science.

There are two Century Farms in the Sellers family, both in rural Chariton.  Both were originally purchased by David Lewis in the mid 1800's.  In 1886, one of the farms was deeded to Joe's Great Grandfather, John P. Sellers, who married David's daughter, Weltha.  David Lewis (1819-1886) farmed the other with his wife, Lorilla.  Generations later, Harris and Twila Sellers had their farm certified as a Century Farm (1976).  In 1987 Harris and Mary Alyce Sellers, Joe and Tom's parents, had their farm certified.

Both David Lewis and his son, Frank, served in the Union Army during the Civil War, both returning to farming after the war.

Joe Sellers and his brother, Thomas, grew up in the house John P. Sellers built east of what was originally David and Lorilla's homestead.

John Sellers' son was the first of the next three generations whose first names were Harris - Joe's grandfather, his father, and Joe - whose actual name is Harris Joseph Sellers.  The last three generations, including Thomas, have specialized in livestock farming.

Both of the Century Farms are now owned by Joe and Cindy Sellers and Joe's brother, Tom.  After 158 years of the families farming the homesteads, Joe says when he and Thomas retire, it will be someone else's chance to carry on.