Biographical Sketch of

Joseph A. Kimble

Transcribed by Joan Benner 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 354 and 355

Joseph A. Kimble, who is engaged in general farming and stock raising on 
section 9, town of Green Lake, Green Lake County, is a representative of
one of the pioneer families of this community. He is a native of the
Keystone State, having been born in Crawford County, July 2, 1844. The
family is of Scottish origin, having been established in America by three
brothers who emigrated with their father Jacob Kimble from their home in 
Scotland and first settled in Connecticut. One of them Benjamin Kimble, 
was the grandfather of our subject. He followed farming and lumbering in 
the community where he located. He married Elizabeth Cole, by whom he had 
eight children and both he and his wife died in the Keystone State. 
Ira Kimble father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, June 29, 
1802, and he also engaged in farming and lumbering while residing in 
the vicinity of his birth-place. He afterwards, however, removed to 
Holmes County, Ohio, and in 1836 became a resident of St. Joseph County, 
Michigan. He married Miss Charlotte Tucker, who was born in Tompkins 
County, New York, Sept. 3, 1810, the wedding taking place May 29, 1830. 
They settled in St. Joseph County in its pioneer days, but after a few 
years returned to Pennsylvania and located in Crawford County, whence 
they came to Green Lake in 1849. Mr. Kimble purchased land in the town 
of Green Lake and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred 
Oct. 29, 1878. His wife still survives him and he also left four 
children to mourn his loss -- Joseph, of this sketch; Julia, widow of 
Gaius Louden; and Harvey. One child of the family is now deceased.

Our subject is the youngest and under the parental roof he remained 
until Dec. 19, 1863, when he could no longer withstand his country's 
call for troops, and though only nineteen years of age, enlisted in the 
service. He became a member of Company C, 32nd Wisconsin Infantry, and 
with his regiment joined Gen. Sherman at Memphis, Tenn., remaining with 
him until the last gun was fired and the shackles had fallen from 
thousands upon thousands of slaves. He participated in the battles of 
Meridian, Miss., Paducah, Ky., the siege of Atlanta and supported the 
2nd Indiana Battery and battle of Jonesboro. He then was engaged in the 
battle of Oakmulgee Mills, Salt Hatchie River and Bentonville. He took 
part in the celebrated march to the sea and the review at Washington -- 
the grandest military pageant ever seen on the face of the globe. He was 
mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and discharged at Madison, Wis., 
in July, 1866. At Jackson, Miss., he and five of his comrades were 
taken sick and their commanding officer relieved them of duty telling 
them to wash, which they did in an icy river. It was soon discovered 
that they were victims of the measles. Mr. Kimble was the only one of 
the six who lived, but he has never yet fully recovered his usual 
health. He receives a small pension on account of his disabilities but 
is deserving of a greater reward.

When hostilities had ceased, Mr. Kimble returned to his home and 
resumed farming which he has made his life occupation. He is now the 
owner of 100 acres of land, highly improved and cultivated as the 
result of his industry, good management and fair dealing. On the 10th 
of October 1867, he was joined in wedlock with Emma Crook, who was born 
in Buckinghamshire, England, Dec. 23, 1848. Her father, William Crook, 
was born in October, 1804, in the same county and there made his home 
until his removal to America. He chose for his companion in life Anna 
Johnson, a native of Buckinghamshire, born April 6, 1807. Eleven 
children, five sons and six daughters, were born to them in England and 
all grew to mature years, while ten became residents of this country. In 
his native land, Mr. Crook worked as a farm laborer. At length he 
determined to try his fortune in this country, and in 1851, accompanied 
by his eldest son, he landed in New York. After earning a sufficient 
sum, he sent for his wife and other children to join him, which they 
did in 1853, and in 1856, the family came to Green Lake County, where 
both parents passed the remainder of their days. They were members of 
the Episcopal Church while residents of England, but in this country 
held membership with the Methodist Church. Mr. Crook was the owner of a 
good farm of eighty-five acres at the time of his death and had surrounded
his family with many of the comforts of life. He died Feb. 27, 1887, and 
wife having been called home Feb. 10, 1885. They were worthy Christian 
people who won many friends in this community, who sincerely regretted 
their loss. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Kimble have been born four children -- Howard, who died 
at the age of four years; Edward I., Eugene C. and Clayton W.  
Politically Mr. Kimble is a Prohibitionist and socially is a member of 
the Ben Sheldon Post at Brandon. He and his wife are members of the 
Methodist church and are active workers in the Master's vineyard. He 
holds the office of a church steward and she is superintendent of the 
Sunday school. As citizens they are loyal, as neighbors, kind and 
accomodating and as Christians, true and faithful. 






Back to the Marquette Pages Menu