Heber C. Kimball - Early Life

Early Life

Kimball was born to Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding in Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont. Kimball's forefathers arrived in America from England in the early 17th century, and some family members participated in the Revolutionary War. His immediate family consisted of Charles Spaulding Kimball, Eliza Kimball, Abigail Kimball, Heber Chase Kimball, Melvina Kimball, Solomon Kimball and Daniel Spaulding Kimball. All were born in Sheldon. Daniel died at the age of seven months. Heber Chase was named after a Judge Chase, who had helped the family in their efforts to settle in the area.

Kimball writes of his parents in Synopsis of the History of Heber C. Kimball:

My father was a man of good moral character, and though he did not profess any religion, he taught his children good morals, and never would suffer them to swear, or play upon the Sabbath day without correcting them, but would have them remain at home and read good books or attend the church.

My mother was a Presbyterian, and agreeably to the strictest sense of their religion, she lived a virtuous life, and according to the best of her knowledge taught her children the ways of righteousness.

Solomon Kimball suffered the loss of his investments due to the embargo preceding the War of 1812. He left Vermont and moved west and eventually settled the family in West Bloomfield, New York, Ontario County, New York around 1811.