ELBERT E. KIMBALL

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 656-657:

Elbert E. Kimball

(Of the firm of Kimball & January, Attorneys at Law, Nevada).

   The object of this portion of the present work is not to eulogize individuals, but to illustrate by living examples the possibilities which exist for one’s successful rise in life, no matter what his early opportunities may have been. Elbert E. Kimball, an attorney of recognized ability and esteem, and the recent Republican nominee for Congress from the Twelfth district, is worthy of extended mention at this place. Born in North Cohocton, Steuben county, N. Y., October 6, 1843, he was the son of Virgil W. Kimball, a contractor and builder by trade, and a native of Chenango county, N. Y. The latter on leaving the Empire State moved to Springfield, Mo., with his family in 1855, but in the fall of 1860, exchanged his property there for 240 acres in Vernon county, on which Virgil City now stands. For some time he was engaged in his chosen calling, but owing to war troubles he and his wife returned to New York, Elbert still remaining in attendance at school in Springfield. The institution, however, was finally closed, about half of the young men who were students becoming members of the Confederate army, while the other half joined the Federal troops. Young Kimball enlisted in the three months’ service under Holland’s company of Home Guards, following which he was detached and placed in the quartermaster’s department for three months, in the meantime participating in the battle of Wilson’s Creek. Subsequently he returned to his old home in New York, and enlisted in the 189th N. Y. volunteers, which was made a part of the 1st division, 5th army corps, and until the surrender of Lee he was actively engaged in service, being mustered out as orderly sergeant at Elmira, June 2, 1865. At the close of the war Mr. Kimball attended the law department of Ann Arbor University, of Michigan, graduating in the class of 1868, after which he came back to Missouri, and later formed a partnership with Judge C. G. Burton, in this county. In 1869 this firm went to Erie, Kansas and besides practicing their profession were also occupied in the publication of the Neosho county Dispatch for one year, then returning to Vernon county, and settling at Nevada, where an office was opened. The relation with Mr. Burton was sustained until shortly before that gentleman’s election to the position of circuit judge. At present Mr. Kimball is associated in practice with Mr. M. T. January, reference to whom is made elsewhere. During his residence here Mr. K. has been called to official prominence, and besides having served as Mayor of Nevada one term he has also, as intimated, made the race for Congress on the Republican ticket, and though in a district hopelessly Democratic, a vote was accorded him highly complementary to his popularity and worth. December 23, 1870, Miss Rose L. Acre, of Michigan, became his wife, and to them four children have been given, only three of whom survived: Mable, Mildred and Ralph. Their youngest daughter, little Ruth, was called home in September, 1886. Mr. Kimball is a prominent Mason, and has held the position of H. P. in Nevada Royal Arch Chapter. He is also connected with the G. A. R. as S. V. C. in the Department of Missouri. It should have been stated before that his father, returned from New York after the war, and in September, 1866, laid out the town of Virgil City, naming it for himself. At that time this village was perhaps the most important hereabouts and a larger amount of business was carried on than at Nevada. Two stage lines met here and travel exceeded that of other towns in a large tributary country. Mr. Virgil Kimball died in 1878, leaving besides his widow (formerly Miss Susan B. Wing), four children, the subject of this sketch being the eldest. Mrs. K. now resides at Wellington, Kas.

[Transcribed by G. Burchell]

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