Biographical Sketch of

F. J. Kimball

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 803 - 804 


F. J. Kimball, a leading merchant of Briggsville, Marquette County, born in New York, in 1846, is one of six 
children, whose parents were James M. and Elmina (Atwood) Kimball; both of whom were natives of Vermont, the 
former born in 1811, the latter in 1810.  They were married in the Green Mountain State in 1843, and in 1846 
removed to New York, where they continued to make their home until their emigration to Wisconsin in the spring 
of 1853.  They settled in the town of Douglas, Marquette County, where Mrs. Kimball is still living.  Mr. Kimball 
was a mason by trade but followed the occupation of farming during his residence in this State.  He died in 1864, 
at the age of fifty years, his death being caused by inflammation of the lungs.  As before stated, his wife still 
survives him.  For some years past she has been troubled with an irritation in her eyes and since the spring of 
1889, she has been totally blind.  Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kimball, four  are yet living, namely:  
Eliza, wife of S. D. Phelps, of Columbia County, Wis.; Francis J., of this sketch; Leona, who is single and resides 
in Briggsville; and William C., who is married and resides in the same village.
 
Our subject was but seven years of age when he came with the family to Wisconsin.  He has witnessed much of the 
growth and progress of Marquette County, has borne his share in the hardships of frontier life and has nobly done 
his part to advance the interests of the community.  On the death of his father, being the eldest son of the family, 
he took charge of the home farm and ably looked after the interests of his mother and younger brother until 1870, 
when he laid aside agricultural pursuits and secured an engagement as traveling salesman with the Davis Sewing 
Machine Company of Chicago, in whose employ he remained for several years, during which time he traveled extensively 
over Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.  Returning to Marquette County, in 1884, he formed a partnership 
with his brother William in the mercantile business, which connection still continues.  They carry a full line of 
general merchandise and are doing a good business as the result of their push and enterprise combined with excellent 
management.
 
In 1882, Mr. Kimball united his destiny with that of Miss Mary A. Phelps, a native of New York, and daughter of N. D. 
and Elizabeth (McGregor) Phelps, the former born in Vermont, the latter in the Empire State.  We find them located in 
Wisconsin in 1867, their home being in Adams County, but they are now residents of the town of Douglas, Marquette 
County.  Mrs. Kimball was born May 20, 1859, and their union has been blessed with one child, Frankie, who was born 
Nov. 26, 1885.
 
Thus have we given a brief sketch of one of the leading merchants of Briggsville.  He is an influential citizen in the 
community and has been honored with several of the most important offices of his town and duties of which he discharges 
in a prompt and faithful manner.  He is now serving as Notary Public.  In political sentiment he is a Republican and a 
warm advocate of the party principles while socially he is both a Mason and an Odd Fellow.  He is not only widely known 
throughout the community, but is honored and respected by all with whom business or pleasure have brought him in contact.






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