Victor E. Krell
There can be no measure of inconsistency in referring to the line of enterprise of which Mr. Krell is an able and popular representative as one of the "public utilities" in the City of Ironton, where he is a member of the firm of Klein & Krell, engaged in the bakery business, with an establishment that is essentially modern in all equipments and facilities and that caters to a large and appreciative patronage in the Iron City, the thriving metropolis of the Hanging Rock Iron Region. Mr. Krell has proved himself an enterprising and substantial business man of Ironton and his success is the more gratifying to note by reason of the fact that he has achieved the same entirely through his own efforts, the while he has so guided and governed his course as to merit and receive the unequivocal confidence and good will of those with whom he has come in contact in the various relations of life.
Born in Germany, on the 22d of June, 1870, Victor E. Krell was the fourteenth in order of birth in a family of fifteen children, and he was but five years old when both of his parents died, in 1875, their entire lives having been passed in their native land, where the father was a teacher. Mr. Krell is a son of Jacob and Amelia (Helfrich) Krell, and of the family he is one of the children who have established homes in the United States. After the death of his parents Mr. Krell was reared by his elder brothers and sisters and afforded the advantages of the schools of the Fatherland until he had attained to the age of fourteen years, his studies having included a course in the gymnasium, the practical German equivalent of the American high school. Not a little courage, self reliance and youthful enthusiasm must have been manifested by Mr. Krell when, as a lad of fourteen years, he severed the ties that bound him to home and native land and came valiantly to the shores of America, with the determination to win for himself success worthy of the name—the success of independence and usefulness. He established his residence in the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, soon after his arrival in the United States, and there he served a thorough apprenticeship to the baker's trade, in all phases and details of which he is now a recognized authority. He was employed as a journeyman at his trade, principally in Cincinnati, until 1911, when he formed a partnership with Frederick J. Klein, under the firm name of Klein & Krell, and founded the present bakery business conducted by them with marked success. The firm have augmented their facilities with the increasing expansion of their business and the products of their well appointed establishment constitute its best advertising medium, the while both of the interested principals have a secure place in the confidence and esteem of their many patrons. Mr. Krell has been an assiduous worker, believes in work and knows the value of work. Such are the men to whom success is a natural prerogative, and such are the citizens who foster general progress and prosperity in any community.
While essentially loyal and appreciative as a citizen of the United States. Mr. Krell has been satisfied to maintain himself virtually independent of strict partisan dictates in politics and has supported the men and measures approved by his judgment. Both he and his wife are devout communicants of the Catholic Church and in Ironton they are members of the parish of St. Joseph's Church. Mr. Krell has identified himself fully and without reservation with the spirit of American customs and institutions, but he naturally has an abiding affection for and appreciation of the land of his nativity, and he has indulged himself in five different visits to the old home in Germany since he established his residence in the United States.
In his advancing march toward the goal of success and prosperity Mr. Krell has not been self-centered or selfish, as shown by the fact that he has shared his lot with one who has proved a devoted companion and helpmeet. On the 15th of June, 1904, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Katie Margaret Klein, daughter of Conrad and Margaret Klein, who were then residents of Portsmouth, Scioto County, but who now maintain their home in Ironton, their son Frederick J. being senior member of the firm of Klein & Krell. Mr. and Mrs. Krell have five children—George Wilford, Klein Charles, Martha Amelia, May Zita, and Victor Joseph.
From "A Standing History of the Hanging Rock Iron Region of Ohio" by Eugene B. Willard, Daniel W. Williams, George O. Newman and Charles B. Taylor. Published by Lewis Publishing Company, 1916