Call Number:

C1438

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 2 boxes
• 1.9 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1860-1910s (inclusive)

Creator:

Kimball, James P. (James Putnam), 1836-1913

Form:

Correspondence -- 19th century, Correspondence -- 20th century, Photographs -- 19th century., and photographs -- 20th century

Abstract:

Consists of a variety of materials, including photographs, correspondence, reports, and ephemera, related to James P. Kimball's life and work as a geologist and engineer around the turn of the 20th century, primarily in the American West.

James Putnam Kimball (1836-1913) was a geologist, professor, engineer, and Civil War veteran. Having studied at Harvard and in Germany, Kimball held positions as a professor at the New York State Agricultural College at Ovid (now Cornell University), as an honorary professor at Lehigh University, as President of the Everett Iron Company, and later as a geologist for state and national geological surveys before serving as Director of the United States Mint from 1885 to 1889. Following that, he worked as a consulting geologist and conducted surveys and reports during the time of westward expansion.

In 1874, Kimball married Mary Elizabeth Farley (1851-1886). They had three children; Russell, Edith, and Farley. Kimball and his sons eventually relocated to Montana, and established a sheep ranch in Red Lodge. While there, Kimball became a vocal proponent for the interests of sheep grazing, in opposition to the forest reserves set aside by President Theodore Roosevelt.

This collection consists of a variety of materials related to James P. Kimball's life and work around the turn of the 20th century, primarily in the American West, and particularly his involvement in mining, railroads, and geological surveys. There are also some materials related to his opposition to forest reserves around Yellowstone National Park, and his work in Northern Mexico and in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Materials include photographs, personal and business correspondence from throughout Kimball's career, geological reports, published writings by Kimball and others, official documents, news clippings, hand-drawn maps, and ephemera.

Many of the materials in the collection were originally kept in a scrapbook that was disassembled prior to the collection's acquisition. Materials that were still together were maintained as such.

Materials are arranged by topic or genre.