From the 1885 History of Steuben County, Indiana

page 750

J.R. Kimmel was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 15, 1837. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in his youth learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed for twenty years. In 1863 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and bought twenty acres of land of John Boon on section 30, and in the year of 1876 he purchased forty acres more of Samuel Bair on section 31, all of which is in Salem Township. About eighteen acres had been cleared and a log cabin built, which is still standing. Mr. Kimmel now has fifty acres improved. In 1880 he built a pleasant frame residence and a good barn, and in many other ways has improved the place. Sept. 20, 1864, he enlisted for one year in his country's service and remained until the close of the war, being discharged June 26, 1865. He was married in DeKalb County, Ind., Feb. 17, 1861, to Rebecca Helwig. They have three children -- Jacob and Emanuel (twins) and George H.

Submitted by Kim Davoli

E-mail: davoli82@juno.com