In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1862, Sharon township
From Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa, history (1912)
JOHN KNEBEL
One of the most popular and successful farmers of Liberty township, Johnson county, is John Knebel, who has spent most of his life in the vicinity. He belongs to one of the earlier families of the county and was born on a farm in Sharon township, in 1862, a son of Rochus and Elizabeth (Wombacher) Knebel. The father and mother were both born in Germany, and they came to Johnson county about 1840. John was the fifth of their thirteen children and was reared on the home farm, attending the local schools and being reared to farm work, which he followed on his own account after reaching maturity.
KKSIIiKXCK ( ' JOHN KXKI'.KI.
After leaving school Mr. Knebel spent fifteen years in various occupations, making his home wherever he found employment, but then returned to his native locality, and in 1893 engaged in farming operations on his own account, in Liberty township, where he has since remained. He is well acquainted with conditions and needs of the land in his native environment, and in his chosen field of work has won a gratifying success. He has been identified with public affairs since returning to Johnson county, and has served in various local offices. He has been secretary of the school board; for eight years (until 1906) was township clerk, and then was elected a member of the county board of supervisors, which he has served as chairman. He is recognized as a citizen of enterprise and public spirit and uses his influence to secure the best possible administration of the affairs of the township and county. He has won the confidence and esteem of his fellows, and stands high in the estimation of all. It is such men as lie who have helped bring about the prosperity and progressive condition of the region.
Mr. Knebel was married February 19, 1884, to Miss Flora Rummelhart, daughter of F. X. Rummelhart, a well-known citizen of Liberty township, now over eighty-four years of age. Children as follows have been born to this union: Genevieve, is the wife of Jerome Droll and they have three children — Evelyn, Verna and Iva; Walter J., M. D., a graduate of the Iowa State University, is a prominent physician of Struble, where he has a good practice; Catherine Pauline, Luella, Luverne, Elmer, and Paul. All except Dr. Walter J. attend the Catholic church at Riverside, of which the parents are members. Mr. Knebel has been active in church matters and was a member of the building committee at the time the new church and parish house were erected at Riverside. The family are well known in church and social circles and have many friends.
As printed in Leading events in Johnson County, Iowa, history (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1912. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.