Nathan Kimball (1822-1898)

Nathan Kimball was born on November 22, 1822, in Fredericksburg, Indiana. He attended what is now known as DePauw University, then worked as a teacher, farmer and physician.

Kimball moved to Missouri in 1840, but had returned to Indiana by 1847.

After serving in the Mexican War in 1846-47 as captain with the Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, he returned to his medical practice until the beginning of the Civil War.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Kimball was appointed colonel of the 14th Indiana Volunteer Regiment. Under his command the regiment served in Virginia, taking part in operations in Cheat Mountain in September, and at the battle of Greenbrier in October, 1861.

Kimball fought well at the Battle of First Kernstown on March 23, 1862, defeating Confederate Maj. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. This was one of the few tactical victories ever achieved over Jackson.

Promoted to brigadier general on April 16, 1862, he fought at Antietam, where his brigade held its ground with desperate courage, losing nearly six hundred men. Kimball was severely wounded at Fredericksburg, but returned to service after his recovery.

He went on to participate in the Vicksburg, Atlanta and Franklin and Nashville Campaigns. He commanded a division at the siege of Vicksburg in June and July, 1863, and at the battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. He was brevetted major general of volunteers on February 1, 1865. He was mustered out of the service on August 24, 1865.

After the war, Kimball was appointed Indiana commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, then became state treasurer (1867-71) and served in the Indiana General Assembly in 1873, from Marion County.

He moved west in 1873, and was appointed U. S. Surveyor for the Territory of Utah (1874-1878) and then postmaster of the city of Ogden (1879-1883).

He died in Ogden, on January 21, 1898.