J. Q. A. KIMMEL. B. S., M. S., LL. B., occupies the position of City Attorney of Murphysboro, and is one of its prominent and successful lawyers, whom merit have placed in an enviable position. He has the honor of being a native of this county, for his birth occurred in Somerset Township, February 8, 1849. His grandfather was Abraham Kimmel. His father, Philip Kimmel, was born in Somerset County, Pa., and there wedded Mary Will, a native of the same county, and a daughter of Daniel Will. In 1840, accompanied by his family, he went down the Ohio and up the Mississippi Rivers and made a location in Somerset Township, becoming one of its earliest settlers.
From time to time Philip Kimmel purchased land until he had six hundred acres, which he at length divided among his children. In local politics he took a very prominent part and was one of the leaders of the Republican party in this community. He served as County Commissioner of Schools, afterward was County Superintendent of Schools, and for many long years has been School Treasurer, which position he still fills. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend and he has done much in its interest. He belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and has been active in church work. He is now nearly eighty-four years of age. His wife passed away in 1882. In the family were eleven children, eight of whom grew to mature years, while seven are yet living. One son, Joseph, served in the late war.
In the usual manner of farmer lands J. Q. A. Kimmel was reared to manhood. He attended the common schools until twenty years of age, and then entered Carthage College, at Carthage, Ill., graduating in May, 1876, with the degree of B. S. He afterward received the degree of M. S. from the same institution. Like his father he has always maintained an interest in educational work. In 1876 he became Principal of the schools of Murphysboro, which positlon he filled three years. He was then for a time in a similar position in Cape Girardeau, Mo. In 1882, through the instrumentality of Gen. John A. Logan, he received the appointment of Examiner of Pension Claims, and spent three years in Washington, D. C. During this time he pursued a course in the Columbia Law School at Washington, studying nights, and was graduated in June, 1885, with the degree of LL. B.
In the Capitol City, August 15, 1881, Mr. Kimmel was united in marriage with Miss Martha R. Moon, a native of New Jersey. They have four children, Nettie, Gertrude, John and Percy. The family has a wide acquaintance in this community and occupies an enviable position in social circles. Since his return to Murphysboro Mr. Kimmel has successfully engaged in general law practice. In 1888 he was elected and served for one term as Alderman of the Fourth Ward. In 1893 he was elected City Attorney on the Republican ticket, and is now filling the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is Recorder of the lodge. He is a stockholder in the building and loan association. His office is situated in the Willis Block, and his pleasant home is located in the southwest corner of Blanchard and Chestnut Streets.
Extracted 22 Feb 2017 by Norma Hass from 1894 Biographical Review of Jackson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, pages 542-543.