Jay Kell

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	Re-Enactor of the Month


	by Jim Cummings


	We are preserving living history today so that the past will not be forgotten. Jim Cummings


	To See Past Re-Enactor of the Month


	Jay Kell

		by Jim Cummings


	I first met Jay Kell at The Long Run Massacre in 2002 in Shelbyville, Kentucky. He was portraying George Girty, one of the infamous Girty brothers.

The Kentuckians hated and feared the Girtys. Whenever their name came up people would cringe.

I remember thinking to myself ”this hobby is difficult enough, why take on the persona of a villain.”

But as I watched Jay over the next two days and had a chance to talk with him a bit, I was impressed with a re-enactor that really knows his history and is extremely knowledgeable about the Girty Brothers.

Jay Kell is a dedicated re-enactor. He attends as many re-enactments as time will allow. This year with the help of his close friend Rick Apsley, Jay has worked with The Ohio County Historical Society in Rising Sun, Indiana on Lochry’s Defeat. Jay will be giving a lecture there on August 30, 2003. Jay also participated at the Cincinnati Museum Living History display a few weeks ago.

When I told Jay that he had been nominated as re-enactor of the week, we set up an interview at The Battle of Blue Licks where he was again portraying George Girty. But we talked on the phone also for almost an hour. It was then I realized the depth that this man has as a re-enactor.

Jay Kell truly grew up with this hobby. His father Earl is a gunsmith and was going to Friendship since the 60’s. It was only natural for Jay to go along. He says that he spent many hours in his fathers shop. He couldn’t even guess how many guns Earl has made over the years. Jay’s first leggings were made from the sleeves of one of Earl’s hunting shirts. His 3 ft. Rifle was made from scratch. They fashioned his first tomahawk from a car spring and his first knife too.

His hunting pouch was beaded and hand made. Kell said he grew up thinking every family cut up deer in their kitchen. and spent vacations at rendezvous.


	AN INTERVIEW WITH JAY KELL

JC: What do you like the most about this hobby?

KELL: The people. Having been in it so long I have made a countless number of friends through this hobby. I’ve been to numerous weddings, birthdays, parties etc. of people that met through re-enacting.

JC: Why George Girty?Wasn’t he regarded as a traitor?

KELL: George Girty was a larger than life figure. As far as being regarded a traitor - that is all about perspective. George Girty considered himself a patriot. Although we always think of an American patriot, Girty was a British patriot. He was fighting for the mother country and the King. He had lived with both his white family and his Indian family. George is the youngest of the four brothers.

Living in the Ohio Valley and having a native American background, the Girty’s appealed to me. They are a kind of footnote in history. You hear about Simon Girty - villain, traitor. But the Girty’s were used just like the Native Americans were used as pawns. The British used the Girty’s to fire up the Natives - to make them go out on raids.

Simon was passed over a few times for promotions and basically decided to honor his roots. Having lived with the Natives for many years he preferred that life. His white father was a drunk who moved around a lot and failed to take care of his family. The years after his capture and adoption were a better life.

JC: How long have you been re-enacting ?

KELL: For living history - Since the early eighties. I’ve done Boonesborough, Holder’s Co. Militia, Virginia Regiment, 78th Highland Regiment, Roger’s Rangers. And even before that from the age of four at the beginning of the NMLRA and buck skinning I was dressing and going before the public.






	Jay Kell in 1976 with his first rifle made by his father Earl Kell. (Right) Jay at Blue Licks holding the same rifle.

JC: So you consider this a family hobby?

Kell: Yes, their were always families on the frontier. My own three daughters participate. We’ve taken them to Manskers, and of course to Friendship, And it’s great for kids. Were else can you dress up in really neat clothes, run barefoot and it’s OK to get dirty. I think they learn a lot of respect in this hobby. They are around weapons, and fires and other people’s property from a young age. And it’s not only going to events - but making gear, planning and packing gear. It’s all done as a family.

JC: And your wife?

KELL: Yes my wife Cindy enjoys it too. She has always sewn, she’s quick with a needle and can make anything.