Henry Rebell was born in New York City and was the son of German immigrants Adam and Katherine Rebell. New York City was the family’s home until 1869 when they moved to St. Johnsville and in 1872 they moved to Fort Plain where Adam Rebell was a potter. The family was not able to provide an education for Henry so they apprenticed him to a local blacksmith. As an apprentice he was not treated well but eventually through hard work and determination Henry became an excellent master blacksmith well liked throughout the entire area. As the automobile replaced the horse as a means of transportation Henry turned to the automobile to earn a living. In 1910 he started up his garage business to service motor cars. His son, Herman, after graduating from high school joined Henry in what became the family business located on Main Street in the village.