|
|
|
|
|
  |
Abner M. Kimball
Born December 25, 1840 |
|||
|
|
A. M. Kimball, a well known capitalist of Madison township, is now living practically retired on the old Kimball farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on the 25th of December, 1840, his parents being Abner and Sarah D. (Spinney) Kimball, the former a native of Lyme, New Hampshire, and the latter of Portsmouth, that state. In the spring of 1843, they made their way westward to Wisconsin, where they resided for about thirteen years, on the expiration of which period they came to Iowa, purchasing the farm in Madison township, Jones county, which is now in possession of our subject. Abner Kimball first bought the tract of one hundred and sixty acres on which the old homestead stands but later extended the boundaries of the place by additional purchase until it embraced about Three hundred and ninety acres. In early manhood he supported the Whigs party but later gave his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy. He never had any desire for the honors and emoluments of office, however, preferring to give his undivided attention to his private affairs. When he passed away on the 4th of October, 1908, at the age of ninety-seven years, Jones county lost one of its most respected and worthy pioneer settlers and one who had been success fully identified with its agricultural interests for more than a half century. His wife was called to her final rest on the 18th of December, 1896, when eighty-three years of age. Their children were six in number, as follows: Sarah J., who resides on the old home farm with her brother, A. M.; John M., resident of Norman, Oklahoma; A. M., of this review; Ann M., the wife of John Conmey, of Madison township, this county, James M., living in Scranton, Iowa, and Mrs. Ellen R. Bruntlett, who died in 1909.
A. M. Kimball was reared under the parental roof and obtained a good public school education. When not busy with his text-books he assisted in the work of the home farm and thus early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After attaining his majority he continued his connection with farming interests in association with his father and as the latter advanced in age he gradually undertook the management and conduct of the home place, which has now been under his supervision for many years past. At the present time, however, he has largely put aside the active work of the fields and is living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Energetic, enterprising and progressive, he has won a goodly measure of success in the conduct of his agricultural interests and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and representative citizens of the county.
In his political views Mr. Kimball is a democrat but at local elections casts an independent ballot, supporting the candidate whom he believes best qualified for the office in question. He is a stanch friend of the cause of education and, though never an office seeker, has capably served in the position of school treasurer for several years. Having made his home in this county for more than a half century, he is well and favorably known here and has gained the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 317. |
 | ||
© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
| ||||