Kimbal, F.W.

BOTTELMAY, MCKEOWN, BEGGERROW, BARBKNECHT

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/9/2010 at 09:55:35

F.W. Kimbal is a native of Fremont township and the son of a pioneer in Bremer county. He has made important contributions to the growth and development of this part of Iowa through his well directed activities in the cultivation of his two hundred and forty acre farm and he today holds a high place in the ranks of progressive and sucessful agriculturists. He was born February 16, 1871, and is a son of John and Louise (Bottelmay) Kimbal, natives of Germany, who came to America on the same ship. The father was at that time eleven years of age and he grew to manhood in Geneva, Wisconsin, where his marriage occurred. In 1868 he and his wife moved to Bremer county, Iowa, settling upon one hundred and sixty acres of land one mile south of the present site of the town of Tripoli, a log house and a prairie stable constituting the only buildings upon the place. John Kimbal continued active in the improvement and development of his property for a number of years, continuing to make his home upon it until he retired from active life, moving into Tripoli, where he and his wife passed away. Both were members of the Evangelical church and the father aided in the erection of the beautiful church building in Tripoli. In this family were five children: Ella, the wife of Grant McKeown, of Tripoli; F.W., of this review; Frank D. and George, both of whom reside in Tripoli; and Emma, the wife of Frank Beggerrow, also of Tripoli.

F.W. Kimbal was reared upon his father's farm and during his boyhood attended school during the winter months and aided in the operation of the homestead during the summers. When he began his independent career he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 26, Fremont township, the immprovements including a board shanty, a straw-covered stable and a granary. The dwelling Mr. Kimbal replaced in 1912 by a modern twelve-room frame house and he has erected also a large barn and substantial outbuildings, his farm being one of the best improved in this section of the state. He had added eighty acres to the original tract and he owns besides twenty-five acres of timber land.

Mr. Kimbal married Miss Mary Barbknecht, who was born in Bremer county, a daughter of John and Minnie (Hildebrant) Barbknecht, natives of Germany, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kimbal became the parents of five children, Oscar, Anita, Herman, Alfred and Edwin, the latter of whom died in infancy. Mr. Kimbal is a member of the Lutheran church of Maxfield township and is a republican in his political beliefs. His name has been an honored one in this county since pioneer times and his record is one of which he has every reason to be proud.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914