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Encyclopedia Dubuque

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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.




KIMBEL, Richard

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Family History: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=museum_quilts&id=I3313

Richard Kimbel's Ferry. Photo courtesy: http://www.genealogywise.com/group/kimbel

KIMBEL, Richard. (Germany, May 20, 1840--Kimbel's Island, June 18,1910). Kimbel and his parents immigrated to America and settled in Galena. Skills learned about FERRYBOATS he used in Bellevue, Iowa, and later in Dubuque.

Kimbel was remembered for his operation of the EAGLE POINT FERRY which was used for transporting goods, ferrying, and excursions along the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. Kimbel also operated two towboats until the time of his death and managed the popular KIMBEL'S PARK. (1)

Married four times and outliving all but his fourth wife, Kimbel was the father of twenty-three children. He received a personal letter from the President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt to recognize the birth of his 23rd child. (2) In 1902 upon the birth of his fourth grand-daughter, the Bellevue Leader reported:

              Adolph Kimbel is feeling more than proud today. He is the father of 
              twin girl babies. A day or two later Mrs. George Fengler presented 
              her husband with twin girl babies also; and now Capt. Kimbel, who is 
              father of Adolph and Mrs. Fengler, says he doesn't care whether the 
              ferry boat runs or not next summer. He is the grandpa of four girls. (3)

Kimbel's body was brought to Bellevue on the steamer Potosi. Internment was in the north cemetery. (4)

See: Albert L. KIMBEL

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Source:

1. "Captain Kimbel Pioneer River Man," Telegraph Herald, June 19, 1910, p. 15

2. "Kimbel's Park," Online: http://www.port-byron.com/captain-richard-kimbel/

3. "Adolph Kimbel Proud Father," Bellevue Leader, February 27, 1902 Online: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=museum_quilts&id=I3902

4. "Capt. Kimbel No More; Well-known Riverman Died Last Saturday and is Buried Here," Bellevue Leader, Bellevue, Iowa, June 23 1910, p. 1