William Kimberley

KIMBERLEY, CLEVERLY, OWENS

Posted By: volunteer transcriber
Date: 3/3/2004 at 12:57:27

Kimberley, William

There could be no mote comprehensive history written of a community or County or even of a state and its people than that with deals with the life work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "prominent and progressive," and in this sketch will be found the record of one who has out-tripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has been consistent in his life work and never permitted the "grass to grow under his feet." one who, while advancing his own interests has not neglected his full duties to the general public, at the same time upholding an honored family name.

William Kimberley, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, was born in Allamakee County, Iowa, February 28, 1862, and in 1866, when four years old, he came with his parents, Isaiah and Mary Ann (Cleverly) Kimberley a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and here he has continued to reside, having grown up on his father's farm which he worked during the crop seasons and attended the local schools.

On February 20, 1884, Mr. Kimberley was united in marriage with Mary Cleverly, who was born in Allamakee County, Iowa. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Jane (Owens) Cleverly, both born in England where they spent their early lives, were educated and married, emigrating subsequently to America and they are now living at the village of Collins, Jasper County, Iowa, where they are highly respected. Of their two children, the wife of the subject is the only one living, her brother being deceased. Four sons and two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. William Kimberley, named as follows: Arthur, born June 7, 1885; Mary, born September 10, 1886; John, born December 27, 1887; James, born November 4, 1892; Jadie, born January 14, 1895; Nettie, born February 3, 1899. These children were born on the farm where the parents first located, and, in fact, which has since been the family home. This place consists of five hundred and forty-four acres of choice land in Clear Creek Township, which Mr. Kimberley has placed under high-grade and up-to-date improvements and kept the soil scientifically tilled so that succeeding years have enhanced rather than depreciated its strength and value, in fact, it is a pleasure to look over his beautifully kept fields and his substantial and convenient group of farm buildings, including a modern, ample and well furnished residence, surrounded by gardens, orchards and everything that makes a rural life attractive, this home being one of the most attractive, desirable and tastily appointed in Jasper County.

In connection with general farming on a large scale, Mr. Kimberley has embarked in the shorthorn cattle business, and is obtaining some of the best strains purchasable, his fine herd attracting widespread attention. He is an excellent judge of livestock of all kinds and has always kept a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. He has managed well and has accumulated a competency, large success having attended his efforts. He is the representative of one of the leading families of the County and his career has been such as to win the confidence and esteem of all who know him. Politically, Mr. Kimberley is a Democrat and while he has ever manifested the interest of a good citizen in public affairs, he has never been an aspirant for public leadership, being content to devote his attention to his large agricultural interests, knowing that to achieve the largest success in any line one must concentrate one's energies and refrain from diverting the mind in too many channels. Personally, he is a very pleasant gentleman and therefore makes friends without effort.

- source: Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa; Gen. James B. Weaver, editor-in-chief, B.F. Bowden & Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, 1912; pg. 1126
- transcribed by Ernie Braida