Sarah and William Kimball

Sarah Isabel Hatherley and William Henry Kimball
Lou's great-great grandparents in his father's family
about 1913

William Kimball, Jr. was born on Saturday, April 8, 1837 in Bedford, Cuyhoga County, Ohio. He moved with his parents, Amanda Westbrook and William Kimball, Sr., to Kalamzaoo County, Michigan when he was about six years old. In 1853 he moved to Newaygo, Michigan where he worked in the lumbering trade.

Sarah Isabel Hatherley was born April 12, 1839 in Brooksdale, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. She was the daughter of John E. Hatherley and Matilda Pringle.

On Sunday, September 14, 1856 Sarah and William were married by Theodore Wilson, a Justice of the Peace, and the witnesses included William Kimball, Sr. and Jacob Jennings.

In the 1860 census, William appears with his brother, George as living in Newaygo, Michigan, while his wife and two children are listed as living with William Kimball Sr. William, Jr. apparently worked away from home, and probably visited his family when he had the time, since it wasn't too far away.

During the Civil War, William was a part of Company A, 13th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, entering service on September 20, 1864. His unit was part of a Brigade which apparently joined Sherman's Army at Kingston, Georgia on Novermber 7, 1864. Following his discharge on June 18, 1865, William returned home and resumed his occupation in lumbering.

In the 1870 census (Brooks Township, Michigan) his occupation is listed as a farmer, with real estate valued at $500 and personal property valued at $300. He was a candidate for sheriff of Newaygo County, Michigan in the election of November 1880, but lost badly! The results show Elisha Panghorn - 1810 votes, John W. Hay - 1488 votes, and William Kimball - 56 votes. However, in the election of April 3, 1882 he ran for Sheriff again and won. Those results are recorded as William Kimball - 1524 votes, William Hall - 1358 votes, and James Sharp - 134 votes.

William Kimball and his daughters - circa 1900
front row: Alice Herren - William Kimball
back row: Ruey Hewitt - Jennie Matheson

In 1914 William and Sarah sold their house in White Cloud, Michigan to James Wright and moved to Ladysmith, Wisconsin to live with their daughter, Ruey Hewitt.

Sarah passed away on July 31, 1919. William died on Monday, December 1, 1924 and was buried on Friday afternoon, December 5, 1924 in Prospect Hill Cemetery - White Cloud, Michigan. The service was officiated by Reverend Harry Walker.

William is said to have loved hunting. He (along with others?) killed four bears one evening after supper!


A short, but detailed history of William Kimball was recorded in Dad's genealogy pages, and I have only posted a portion of it here. Because of the details included there (dates, Civil War service, locations, etc.) I am certain he got the information from a published source. I have not determined that source, but I am looking. If you have information, please leave a comment.