From "First 100 Years, Leaf River, IL 1882-1982" published in 1982

Jacob Kappenman was born in Hoenzollern, Hechingen, Prussia on Feb. 29, 1828. His father was a farmer and Jacob assisted him until he was 18. He worked after that as a stone and plaster mason in different parts of Germany and France. They left from Harve, France on a steam vessel, a voyage of 12 days. He began his career as a farmer in Leaf River Township, Ogle Co., IL. He married Mary Schetter, daughter of Wilhelm Schetter. She was born Jan. 21, 1832 near the same place as her husband. They were married on Feb. 22, 1856. There were seven children born to the Kappenman's: Adolph, May 28, 1858; Mary, Dec. 22, 1861; Christian, Dec. 25, 1863; Susan, Nov. 17, 1865; Joseph, July 18, 1868; Anna, Sep. 8, 1870 and Wilhelm, Jan. 1875. Descendants of Jacob Kappenman living in the area of Leaf River and surrounding area in 1982 were: Loren Kappenman, Leaf River; Lyle and Max Betz, Leaf River; Edna Betz Green, Pecatonica; Erda Betz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Vera Davidson, Chana, IL. The Kappenman's are buried in Lightsville Cemetery, just a 1/2 mile north of Leaf River, IL.