JACOB KISSEL, junior member of the firm of Church & Kissel, began at a very early age to assume the practical duties of a business life, and by diligence, good habits, and a judicious use of natural tact has developed a character which will tell for usefulness in his day and generation. He has acquired a commercial standing which portends for him that prosperity and rank among his fellow-men vouchsafed alone to those who have worthily earned them. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1854, and is a son of Jacob Kissel who was born in Germany, but who came to this country when a young man. He was a brick mason and worked at his trade in St. Louis, Missouri.
When only nine years of age Jacob Kissel was left an orphan and was then obliged to begin the battle of life for himself. When starting out in life it is a serious question if it is not better for a young man to begin at the bottom and depend entirely upon his own efforts to get along in the world. However great a boon this may be, few, indeed, would wish to take the chances of our subject. Thanks to a sturdy, industrious and honest German ancestry, he was strong, reliable and not afraid to work. These characteristics have held thus far through life, and Mr. Kissel is recognized today as one of the foremost business men of his section. When about nine years of age he went to Belleville, Illinois, and clerked in a lumber establishment for a time. From there he went to St. Louis, where he was with a mercantile firm, and remained there until he was twenty-one years of age. He then went to Memphis, Tennessee, Detroit, Mich., Indianapolis, Indiana, and other places, clerking all the time, and about seven years ago he came to south Missouri, where he became salesman for Mr. Collins who is now in business at Low Wassie after this he was with L. W. Keen until that gentleman failed, when he bought the stock of groceries and soon after went in partnership with John F. Church. Since then they have built up their extensive and ever increasing business. Both are undoubtedly self-made men, and, as such, demonstrate to the young men of our country the possibilities within the reach of all, who, with industry, sobriety integrity and determination reach toward the goal of success. In 1889 Mr. Kissel married Miss Adelia Dent, of Shannon County, this State. Two daughters have been born to this union, Clara and Alma. Mr. and Mrs. Kissel are Catholics, and he is a Democrat in politics.