Jacob V. Kennell
One of the many farmers of German ancestry in Fayette county is Jacob V. Kennell, of Union township, who has been a resident of this county for the past half century. He has inherited all of those sterling characteristics which have made the Germans successful wherever they have located and in whatever occupations they have engaged. The thrift and economy of the people from the Fatherland has become proverbial and they never fail to make a success of any undertaking to which they turn their attention. While Mr. Kennell has been primarily interested in his own affairs he has not neglected to take his share of the burdens of civic life and has thereby won the esteem and regard of his fellow citizens.
Jacob V. Kennell, the son of Valentine and Mary (Dohn) Kennell, was born in Jackson county, Ohio. October 18, 1849. His father was born in Germany, and came to America when a small boy wath his parents, locating in Jackson county, Ohio. The family were among the early settlers and became prominently identified with the history of Jackson county. Valentine grew to manhood in that county, married there and came to Favette county in 1864 with his family. He and his wife reared a family of seven children, Catherine, Eva (deceased), Jacob V., Mrs. Barbara Miller (deceased), Mrs. Anna Nichols, William (deceased) and John.
The education of Jacob V. Kennell was received in a rude log. schooI house in Jackson county and in the district schools of Union township in Fayette county. He worked on his father's farm until his marriage and then began for himself on a rented farm in Union township. He saved his money and within a short time was able to buy part of his present farm. As he prospered from year to year he added to his land holdings until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of fine land in Union and Marion townships about four miles from the county seat. He has placed some valuable improvements on his farm and has built a fine country home of ten rooms, his home being equipped with all of the modern conveniences. He has divided his attention between the raising of crops and live stock with excellent success and is ranked among the best farmers of his township.
Mr. Kennell was married March 5, 1872, to Catherine Knotts, the daughter of Henry B. and Rachael (McGowen) Knotts. To this union there have been born three children : Eva, deceased, who was the wife of J. E. Robinson, and had one daughter, Catherine; Mae, the wife of Joseph Allemang; Percy, who married Nellie Heistand.
The Democratic party has received the hearty support of Mr. Kennell since reaching his majority and he has always taken an active part in local political affairs. He has been especially interested in educational matters and has served as clerk of the school board of his township for the past twenty-one years, a remarkable record and one which shows the confidence his fellow citizens have in his abilitu.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)