J. Golden Kimball
Born: 9 June 1853
Called to Presidency of Seventy: 5 April 1892
Died: 2 September 1938
Called to Presidency of Seventy: 5 April 1892
Died: 2 September 1938
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 July 1901, Lives of Our Leaders--The First Council of the Seventy: President Jonathan Golden Kimball
Instructor, October 1935, President J. Golden Kimball
Improvement Era, October 1938, J. Golden Kimball, Friend and Teacher
Improvement Era, October 1938, J. Golden Kimball
Instructor, October 1938, Philosophy of J. Golden Kimball
Relief Society Magazine, October 1938, J. Golden Kimball
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 July 1901, Lives of Our Leaders--The First Council of the Seventy: President Jonathan Golden Kimball
Instructor, October 1935, President J. Golden Kimball
Improvement Era, October 1938, J. Golden Kimball, Friend and Teacher
Improvement Era, October 1938, J. Golden Kimball
Instructor, October 1938, Philosophy of J. Golden Kimball
Relief Society Magazine, October 1938, J. Golden Kimball
Jenson, Andrew. "Kimball, Jonathan Golden." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 210-212.
KIMBALL, Jonathan Golden, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies since 1892, was born in Salt Lake City, June 9, 1853, "in a palatial Utah home of half a century ago—a residence of his father's, erected in 1848-49, which still stands practically as it was built at that time." Elder Kimball has many times stated publicly that he was very much pleased when - being set apart for a mission by one of the Apostles to have it said in that blessing that he was a son of his father, Heber C. Kimball. His mother's name was Christeen Golden Kimball, she being the only member of her family that ever joined the Church. Brother Kimball was carefully trained by his father, as he was living in such close proximity to him that he was ever under his very watchful care. He had the privilege in his early years of accompanying his father with Pres. Brigham Young's large parties when visiting the settlements of the Saints. He was a student of the leading schools of Salt Lake City up to 1868. and had a life scholarship paid in what has now terminated in the University of Utah; he was also a student of the "Morgan Commercial College." His father died June 22, 1868, and being the eldest child of his mother's family, unfortunately and against his mother's wishes he became attached to the vocation of driving a team—hauled wood from the canyons, ore from the mines, etc. To follow a profession of any kind was not urged upon young people in those days. and notwithstanding every effort was made by his mother to secure more elevating employment, it failed; and the mother went out the second time, in 1875, as a pioneer, and with her family located in Meadowville, Rich county, Utah, where Brother Kimball and his brother Elias S., who has been his partner in business ever since, purchased four hundred acres of farm and meadow land, and in that cold, northern clime established a ranch and farm", and for fifteen years followed the horse and cattle business. They were successful and accumulated considerable means. From the time of his father's death, and up to the fall of 1881, he was under no restraint of any kind, but was as free as the birds that fly in the air; no man's hand was stretched out to guide him in the footsteps of his father until that man of God, Elder Karl G. Maeser, was directed by the Spirit of the Lord to the isolated little settlement, made up largely of eleven of Heber C. Kimball's sons and their families. This great and good man called the people together in a log school house and testified of God, and spoke in the interest of the Brigham Young Academy. The Spirit of God awakened and aroused Brother Kimball and his brother Elias, and for the first time they realized there was something else to be accomplished in life besides looking after cattle and horses. They repented of their weaknesses, reformed, and after great sacrifices and the overcoming of many difficulties they both attended the Brigham Young Academy for two years, and were guided and tutored by Dr. Maeser and his associate teachers. While it is true they did not graduate or attempt to do so, they repented, reformed, and gained a testimony that God lives, and they have been loyal and true to the Brigham Young Academy ever since. At the expiration of the school term. Elder Kimball was called, April 6, 1883, by Pres. John Taylor, to fill a mission to the Southern States. In eight days after receiving his call he was set apart by Brother Moses Thatcher. Together with twenty-four Elders he landed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was appointed by Pres. Brigham H. Roberts to labor in Virginia, where he joined "his companion as a traveling Elder and labored absolutely without purse or scrip. After laboring, one year he was appointed to act as secretary of the Southern States Mission at Chattanooga under the direction of Pres. Roberts. He was very familiar with the details of the martyrdom of Elders Gibbs and Berry, as well as with the mobbing, shooting at and whipping of "Mormon" Elders during the year 1884. The last year of his mission his health and constitution were broken; he was troubled with malaria, which continued to afflict him for many years. In the spring of 1885 he received an honorable release, and returned via New Jersey, where he preached, and visited his mother's relatives. On his return he continued in the ranch business, and was ordained a Seventy by President C. D. Fjeldsted, July 21, 1886. On his return to Bear Lake he traveled as a home missionary in that Stake, and was appointed to preside over an Elders" quorum, after which he was chosen and set apart as superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations of the Bear Lake Stake, and visited the associations until he moved to Logan city. The Kimball brothers partook of the spirit that is now running rife in the world and commenced to worship the "Old Gold Calf," hoping to gain honor and renown by becoming rich. Elder Jonathan G., together with Newel and Elias, entered into the implement business under the name of "Kimball Brothers," establishing places of business at Logan and Montpelier. They signed notes for the first time for over thirty thousand dollars. They labored hard for four years, and lost their investment, but saved their good name and paid their debts. Their ranch was exchanged for Cache valley property, and their cattle and horses invested in real estate. They were not yet convinced of the danger of speculation, but went into the real estate business during the boom, and bought everything almost that was for sale, and wound up their career as business men by investing in a company that had purchased 119,000 acres of land in Canada. What they failed to lose their friends helped them out of, and they were for the time being prevented from chasing after the golden calf. Moral: "Don't go in debt.' The Lord again came to the rescue, and Brother Jonathan G. was called Aug. 1, 1891, by Pres. Wilford Woodruff to succeed Elder William Spry as the president of the Southern States Mission. Notwithstanding his health was seriously impaired, and he was about to graduate in a business way, the Prophet of the Lord promised him he should regain his health and be blessed of the Lord, which was literally fulfilled. Brother Kimball labored three years as president of the Southern States Mission, and was succeeded by his brother, Elias S. Kimball. April 6, 1892, he was chosen one of the First Council of the Seventy, and was ordained by Apostle Francis M. Lyman, two days later. Brother Kimball was called to be one of the aids in the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations in the year 1896, and has taken an active part in filling appointments, as directed by the General Board, in nearly every Stake in Zion. visiting the young men's conferences, young men's and young ladies conjoint conferences, and conventions. He has also been one of the chief workers for four consecutive years, as one of a committee in directing a missionary work among the young men, under the instructions of the General Board. In the year 1897 about eighty-seven missionaries labored in the Stakes of Zion, visiting about twenty-five thousand young men and urging upon them to enroll their names and become Mutual Improvement workers. The hearts of hundreds of young men were softened, and many repented and were baptized. One Elder baptized over ninety people in one Stake, and the young men followed this Elder from settlement to settlement to listen to his preaching on the principles of the gospel. There are many very interesting incidents and touching stories told connected with the successful labors of these missionary Elders. In the year 1898 one hundred and fifty missionaries were sent out and they visited sixteen thousand eight hundred young men and accomplished great good. The plan of missionary work was somewhat changed in 1899, as only thirty-eight Elders received a regular call (as all others had been called) by the Presidency of the Church, and were set apart as are the Elders who go on foreign missions. These thirty-eight Elders were called to Salt Lake City and instructed by the leading authorities of the Church for five days: and one Elder was sent to each Stake as a representative of the General Board, to labor with the officers of the Stakes and associations, and to awaken an interest in the work. In the year 1900 another change was adopted and a local missionary work was introduced, wherein local missionaries were appointed in each association. These brethren went quietly to work to convert careless young men, and it was intended to have as many missionaries in each Ward as they had young men to labor with. The committee this year (1901) intend to send out among the young people another company of select and choice young Elders as regularly called missionaries, under the direction of the General Board, as it is believed there is a great field of labor among the young people for the preaching of the gospel. There are very few, if any instances, where the young men have rejected these missionaries in their labors during the past four years. In January, 1901, Brother Kimball was appointed by President Snow and given the privilege, in company with his wife and Elder Heber J. Grant and family, to visit the California Mission, the object of the call being chiefly that he might become acquainted with that field of labor. He had the privilege of meeting with the Elders and Saints and listened for the first time to the "Mormon" Elders preach on the street corners. Elder Kimball was very much impressed with that country and people and believes a Stake of Zion will yet be established in the State of California.
KIMBALL, Jonathan Golden, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies since 1892, was born in Salt Lake City, June 9, 1853, "in a palatial Utah home of half a century ago—a residence of his father's, erected in 1848-49, which still stands practically as it was built at that time." Elder Kimball has many times stated publicly that he was very much pleased when - being set apart for a mission by one of the Apostles to have it said in that blessing that he was a son of his father, Heber C. Kimball. His mother's name was Christeen Golden Kimball, she being the only member of her family that ever joined the Church. Brother Kimball was carefully trained by his father, as he was living in such close proximity to him that he was ever under his very watchful care. He had the privilege in his early years of accompanying his father with Pres. Brigham Young's large parties when visiting the settlements of the Saints. He was a student of the leading schools of Salt Lake City up to 1868. and had a life scholarship paid in what has now terminated in the University of Utah; he was also a student of the "Morgan Commercial College." His father died June 22, 1868, and being the eldest child of his mother's family, unfortunately and against his mother's wishes he became attached to the vocation of driving a team—hauled wood from the canyons, ore from the mines, etc. To follow a profession of any kind was not urged upon young people in those days. and notwithstanding every effort was made by his mother to secure more elevating employment, it failed; and the mother went out the second time, in 1875, as a pioneer, and with her family located in Meadowville, Rich county, Utah, where Brother Kimball and his brother Elias S., who has been his partner in business ever since, purchased four hundred acres of farm and meadow land, and in that cold, northern clime established a ranch and farm", and for fifteen years followed the horse and cattle business. They were successful and accumulated considerable means. From the time of his father's death, and up to the fall of 1881, he was under no restraint of any kind, but was as free as the birds that fly in the air; no man's hand was stretched out to guide him in the footsteps of his father until that man of God, Elder Karl G. Maeser, was directed by the Spirit of the Lord to the isolated little settlement, made up largely of eleven of Heber C. Kimball's sons and their families. This great and good man called the people together in a log school house and testified of God, and spoke in the interest of the Brigham Young Academy. The Spirit of God awakened and aroused Brother Kimball and his brother Elias, and for the first time they realized there was something else to be accomplished in life besides looking after cattle and horses. They repented of their weaknesses, reformed, and after great sacrifices and the overcoming of many difficulties they both attended the Brigham Young Academy for two years, and were guided and tutored by Dr. Maeser and his associate teachers. While it is true they did not graduate or attempt to do so, they repented, reformed, and gained a testimony that God lives, and they have been loyal and true to the Brigham Young Academy ever since. At the expiration of the school term. Elder Kimball was called, April 6, 1883, by Pres. John Taylor, to fill a mission to the Southern States. In eight days after receiving his call he was set apart by Brother Moses Thatcher. Together with twenty-four Elders he landed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was appointed by Pres. Brigham H. Roberts to labor in Virginia, where he joined "his companion as a traveling Elder and labored absolutely without purse or scrip. After laboring, one year he was appointed to act as secretary of the Southern States Mission at Chattanooga under the direction of Pres. Roberts. He was very familiar with the details of the martyrdom of Elders Gibbs and Berry, as well as with the mobbing, shooting at and whipping of "Mormon" Elders during the year 1884. The last year of his mission his health and constitution were broken; he was troubled with malaria, which continued to afflict him for many years. In the spring of 1885 he received an honorable release, and returned via New Jersey, where he preached, and visited his mother's relatives. On his return he continued in the ranch business, and was ordained a Seventy by President C. D. Fjeldsted, July 21, 1886. On his return to Bear Lake he traveled as a home missionary in that Stake, and was appointed to preside over an Elders" quorum, after which he was chosen and set apart as superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations of the Bear Lake Stake, and visited the associations until he moved to Logan city. The Kimball brothers partook of the spirit that is now running rife in the world and commenced to worship the "Old Gold Calf," hoping to gain honor and renown by becoming rich. Elder Jonathan G., together with Newel and Elias, entered into the implement business under the name of "Kimball Brothers," establishing places of business at Logan and Montpelier. They signed notes for the first time for over thirty thousand dollars. They labored hard for four years, and lost their investment, but saved their good name and paid their debts. Their ranch was exchanged for Cache valley property, and their cattle and horses invested in real estate. They were not yet convinced of the danger of speculation, but went into the real estate business during the boom, and bought everything almost that was for sale, and wound up their career as business men by investing in a company that had purchased 119,000 acres of land in Canada. What they failed to lose their friends helped them out of, and they were for the time being prevented from chasing after the golden calf. Moral: "Don't go in debt.' The Lord again came to the rescue, and Brother Jonathan G. was called Aug. 1, 1891, by Pres. Wilford Woodruff to succeed Elder William Spry as the president of the Southern States Mission. Notwithstanding his health was seriously impaired, and he was about to graduate in a business way, the Prophet of the Lord promised him he should regain his health and be blessed of the Lord, which was literally fulfilled. Brother Kimball labored three years as president of the Southern States Mission, and was succeeded by his brother, Elias S. Kimball. April 6, 1892, he was chosen one of the First Council of the Seventy, and was ordained by Apostle Francis M. Lyman, two days later. Brother Kimball was called to be one of the aids in the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations in the year 1896, and has taken an active part in filling appointments, as directed by the General Board, in nearly every Stake in Zion. visiting the young men's conferences, young men's and young ladies conjoint conferences, and conventions. He has also been one of the chief workers for four consecutive years, as one of a committee in directing a missionary work among the young men, under the instructions of the General Board. In the year 1897 about eighty-seven missionaries labored in the Stakes of Zion, visiting about twenty-five thousand young men and urging upon them to enroll their names and become Mutual Improvement workers. The hearts of hundreds of young men were softened, and many repented and were baptized. One Elder baptized over ninety people in one Stake, and the young men followed this Elder from settlement to settlement to listen to his preaching on the principles of the gospel. There are many very interesting incidents and touching stories told connected with the successful labors of these missionary Elders. In the year 1898 one hundred and fifty missionaries were sent out and they visited sixteen thousand eight hundred young men and accomplished great good. The plan of missionary work was somewhat changed in 1899, as only thirty-eight Elders received a regular call (as all others had been called) by the Presidency of the Church, and were set apart as are the Elders who go on foreign missions. These thirty-eight Elders were called to Salt Lake City and instructed by the leading authorities of the Church for five days: and one Elder was sent to each Stake as a representative of the General Board, to labor with the officers of the Stakes and associations, and to awaken an interest in the work. In the year 1900 another change was adopted and a local missionary work was introduced, wherein local missionaries were appointed in each association. These brethren went quietly to work to convert careless young men, and it was intended to have as many missionaries in each Ward as they had young men to labor with. The committee this year (1901) intend to send out among the young people another company of select and choice young Elders as regularly called missionaries, under the direction of the General Board, as it is believed there is a great field of labor among the young people for the preaching of the gospel. There are very few, if any instances, where the young men have rejected these missionaries in their labors during the past four years. In January, 1901, Brother Kimball was appointed by President Snow and given the privilege, in company with his wife and Elder Heber J. Grant and family, to visit the California Mission, the object of the call being chiefly that he might become acquainted with that field of labor. He had the privilege of meeting with the Elders and Saints and listened for the first time to the "Mormon" Elders preach on the street corners. Elder Kimball was very much impressed with that country and people and believes a Stake of Zion will yet be established in the State of California.
Jenson, Andrew. "Kimball, Jonathan Golden." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 241, 381.
KIMBALL, Jonathan Golden, a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1898 to 1922. (See Bio. Ency. Vol. 1, p. 216.)
KIMBALL, J. Golden, president of the Southern States Mission from 1891 to 1894. (See Bio. Ency., Vol 1, p. 210.)
KIMBALL, Jonathan Golden, a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1898 to 1922. (See Bio. Ency. Vol. 1, p. 216.)
KIMBALL, J. Golden, president of the Southern States Mission from 1891 to 1894. (See Bio. Ency., Vol 1, p. 210.)
"Lives of Our Leaders--The First Council of the Seventy: President Jonathan Golden Kimball." Juvenile Instructor. 15 July 1901. pg. 416-419.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS.—THE FIRST COUNCIL OF THE SEVENTY. PRESIDENT JONATHAN GOLDEN KIMBALL. PRESIDENT JONATHAN GOLDEN KIMBALL was born in Salt Lake City, June 9, 1853, "in a palatial Utah home of half a century ago—a residence of his father's, erected in 1848-49, which still stands practically as it was built at that time.” Elder Kimball has many times stated publicly that he was very much pleased when being set apart for a mission by one of the Apostles to have it said in that blessing that he was a son of his father, Heber C. Kimball. His mother's name was Christeen Golden Kimball, she being the only member of her family that ever joined the Church. Brother Kimball was carefully trained by his father, as he was living in such close proximity to him that he was ever under his very watchful care. He had the privilege in his early years of accompanying his father with President Brigham Young's large parties when visiting the settlements of the Saints. He was a student of the leading schools of Salt Lake City up to 1868, and had a life scholarship paid in what has now terminated in the University of Utah; he was also a student of the “Morgan Commercial College." His father died June 22, 1868, and being the eldest child of his mother's family, unfortunately and against his mother's wishes he became attached to the vocation of driving a team—hauled wood from the canyons, ore from the mines, etc. To follow a profession of any kind was not urged upon young people in those days, and notwithstanding every effort was made by his mother to secure more elevating employment, it failed; and the mother went out the second time, in 1875, as a pioneer, and with her family located in Meadowville, Rich County, Utah, where Brother Kimball and his brother Elias S., who has been his partner in business ever since, purchased four hundred acres of farm and meadow land, and in that cold, northern clime established a ranch and farm, and for fifteen years followed the horse and cattle business. They were successful and accumulated considerable means. From the time of his father's death, and up to the fall of 1881, he was under no restraint of any kind, but was as free as the birds that fly in the air; no man's hand was stretched out to guide him in the footsteps of his father until that man of God, Elder Karl G. Maeser, was directed by the Spirit of the Lord to the isolated little settlement, made up largely of eleven of Heber C. Kimball's sons and their families. This great and good man called the people together in a log school house and testified of God, and spoke in the interest of the Brigham Young Academy. The Spirit of God awakened and aroused Brother Kimball and his brother Elias, and for the first time they realized there was something else to be accomplished in life besides looking after cattle and horses. They repented of their weaknesses, reformed, and after great sacrifices and the overcoming of many difficulties they both attended the Brigham Young Academy for two years, and were guided and tutored by Dr. Maeser and his associate teachers. While it is true they did not graduate or attempt to do so, they repented, reformed, and gained a testimony that God lives, and they have been loyal and true to the Brigham Young Academy ever since. At the expiration of the school term, Elder Kimball was called, April 6, 1883, by President John Taylor, to fill a mission to the Southern States. In eight days after receiving his call he was set apart by Brother Moses Thatcher, but was not at that time ordained a Seventy. Together with twenty-four Elders he landed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was appointed by President B. H. Roberts to labor in Virginia, where he joined his companion as a traveling Elder and labored absolutely without purse or scrip. After laboring one year he was appointed to act as secretary of the Southern States Mission at Chattanooga under the direction of President Roberts. He was very familiar with the details of the martyrdom of Elders Gibbs and Berry, as well as with the mobbing, shooting at and whipping of Mormon Elders during the year 1884. The last year of his mission his health and constitution were broken; he was troubled with malaria, which continued to afflict him for many years. In the spring of 1885 he received an honorable release, and returned via New Jersey, where he preached, and visited his mother's relatives. On his return he continued in the ranch business, and was ordained a Seventy by President C. D. Fjeldsted, July 21, 1886. On his return to Bear Lake he traveled as a home missionary in that stake, and was appointed to preside over an Elders' quorum, after which he was chosen and set apart as superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations of the Bear Lake Stake, and visited' the associations until he moved to Logan City. The Kimball brothers partook of the spirit that is now running rife in the world and commenced to worship the «Old Gold Calf,» hoping to gain honor and renown by becoming rich. Elder J. Golden together with Newel and Elias, entered into the implement business under the name of Kimball Brothers, » establishing places of business at Logan and Monpelier. They signed notes for the first time for over thirty thousand dollars. They labored hard for four years, and lost their investment, but saved their good name and paid their debts. Their ranch was exchanged for Cache Valley property, and their cattle and horses invested in real estate. They were not yet convinced of the danger of speculation, but went into the real estate business during the boom, and bought everything almost that was for sale, and wound up their career as business men by investing in a company that had purchased 119,000 acres of land in Canada. What they failed to lose their friends helped them out of, and they were for the time being prevented from chasing after the golden calf— moral: «don't go in debt.» The Lord again came to the rescue and Brother Golden was called, August 1, 1891, by the Prophet Wilford Woodruff to succeed Elder William Spry as the president of the Southern States Mission. Notwithstanding his health was seriously impaired, and he was about to graduate in a business way, the Prophet of the Lord promised him- he should regain his health and be blessed of the Lord, which was literally fulfilled. Brother Kimball labored three years as president of the Southern States Mission, and was succeeded by his brother, Elias S. Kimball. On April 6, 1892, he was chosen one of the First Council of the Seventy, and was ordained by Apostle Francis M. Lyman, two days later. Brother Kimball was called to be one of the aids in the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations in the year 1896, and has taken an active part in filling appointments, as directed by the General Board, in nearly every Stake in Zion, visiting the young men's conferences, young men's and young ladies' conjoint conferences, and conventions. He has also been one of the chief workers for four consecutive years, as one of a committee in directing a missionary work among the young men, under the instructions of the General Board. In the year 1897 about eighty-seven missionaries labored in the stakes of Zion, visiting about twenty-five thousand young men and urging upon them to enroll their names and become Mutual Improvement workers. The hearts of hundreds of young men were softened, and many repented and were baptized. One Elder baptized over ninety people in one stake, and the young men followed this Elder from settlement to settlement to listen to his preaching on the principles of the Gospel. There are many very interesting incidents and touching stories told connected with the successful labors of these missionary Elders. In the year 1898 one hundred and fifty missionaries were sent out and they visited sixteen thousand, eight hundred young men and accomplished great good. The plan of missionary work was somewhat changed in 1899 as only thirty- eight Elders received a regular call (as all others had been called,) by the Presidency of the Church, and were set apart as are the Elders who go on foreign missions. These thirty-eight Elders were called to Salt Lake City and instructed by the leading authorities of the Church for five days; and one Elder was sent to each stake as a representative of the General Board, to labor with the officers of the stakes and associations, and to awaken an interest in the work. In the year 1900 another change was adopted and a local missionary work was introduced, wherein local missionaries were appointed in each association. These brethren went quietly to work to convert careless young men, and it was intended to have as many missionaries in each ward as we had young men to labor with. The committee this year (1901) intend to send out among the young people another company of select and choice young Elders as regularly called missionaries, under the direction of the General Board, as it is believed there is a great field of labor among our young people for the preaching of the Gospel. We have very few, if any instances, where our young men have rejected our missionaries -in their labors during the past four years. In January, 1901, Brother Kimball was appointed by President Snow and given the privilege, in company with his wife, Elder Heber J. Grant and family, to visit the California Mission, the object of the call being chiefly that he might become acquainted with that field of labor. He had the privilege of meeting with the Elders and Saints and listened for the first time to the Mormon Elders preach on the street corners. Elder Kimball was very much impressed with that country and people and believes a stake of Zion will yet be established in the State of California. |
PRESIDENT J. GOLDEN KIMBALL.
|
"President J. Golden Kimball." Instructor. October 1935. pg. 437.
PRESIDENT J. GOLDEN KIMBALL The picture on our front cover this month is that of Elder J. Golden Kimball, President of the First Council of Seventy. The photo is a little severe and one misses that good natured quizzical smile that seems a part of this unique character. However, it is a fine picture reflecting the dignity of his high and holy calling. Brother Kimball has passed his 82nd birthday which was on June 9th. An interesting sketch of his life is contained in Jenson's L. D. S. Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, and a book with his name title has recently been published, written by Elder Claude Richards. |
Richards, Claude. "J. Golden Kimball, Friend and Teacher." Improvement Era. October 1938. pg. 570, 636-637, 639.
J. GOLDEN KIMBALL FRIEND and TEACHER HIS WIT WAS A NATURAL BUT SECONDARY BENT SPIRITUAL TEACHING WAS THE GREAT BURDEN OF HIS LIFE'S MISSION. By CLAUDE RICHARDS Author of the biography, "J. Golden Kimball." Abruptly the curtain came down upon Jonathan Golden Kimball, and a kindly actor was swept from the mortal stage. Many hearts were made heavy as the distressing news came from Fallon, Nevada, on Friday, the second day of September, 1938, that President J. Golden Kimball had that day been killed by automobile on a desert highway. Though sorrow is in our hearts, yet even if we could, we would not call him back, for he had tread the earth more than fourscore years, and he was tired. That body of his, the tall, spare figure, was bent and wracked with pain. His eyes were dim, his step slow and feeble, his hold on life was slipping. Surely, his mission was over; his life's work was well done. He was entitled to a change. But there is sadness at the loss of a friend so genuine, so human, so kind. In briefest outline, we sketch the life of our friend: Born in 1853, but a few paces from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, he spent his childhood, boyhood years in Salt Lake Valley. Heber C. Kimball, his illustrious father, tutored him, giving him special training. He counted on this son, later to become his secretary. Christeen Golden Kimball, his priceless mother, cared for the baby and later guided the boy with a mother's love and watching. The public schools and the Church lent a hand in the bringing up of this lad, with what scant schooling was here available in that day. In 1868 his father died and almost overnight Golden became a man. Necessity brought this lad of fifteen summers face to face with the stern reality of earning bread for his mother's table. First, he worked out. Later, he secured a team of horses and a wagon and went into the contracting business. The mother kept boarders and did sewing. But the earnings of this widow and her son were meagre. After eight years of struggle the family moved to Meadowville, near Bear Lake, Idaho. "There was no house or improvements, and we commenced a fight for life," said J. Golden. "God knows it was a hard fight with poverty and terrible blizzards in winter. We felt some years that we had nine months winter and three months late fall. We worked, we toiled early and late, and the strange part of it was we never got discouraged. We hadn't sense enough to know when we had failed. Fifteen long years of hard work and sacrifice, but final success." While here Golden answered the call for volunteers to go to Logan canyon to get logs out for the Logan Temple. He became superintendent of the logging camp and later of a private lumber mill. In the summer of 1881 something happened to change once again the destiny of this unique character, then twenty-eight years of age. A rather stout man of German accent, Dr. Karl G. Maeser, came to that little town of Meadowville to hold a meeting. For one hour and a half Brother Maeser testified of God, made a plea for education, and spoke in the interest of the Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University). Golden and Elias (his brother) were thrilled. His words electrified their souls. From that night their ambition was kindled not only for education but for a greater knowledge of God as well. The very next day they commenced laying new plans. They began to see that there was something more in life than caring for horses and cattle. Dr. Maeser had enlarged their vision and set their ambition on fire. Temporarily the family moved to Provo, Utah. The mother kept boarders. The boys during weekends hauled coal from Coalville. Thus two years were spent by Golden at Brigham Young Academy. Upon leaving the Academy he devoted the next two years in the Southern States Mission. Later, he served three years as the president of that mission. Returning home, he married Jennie Knowlton in 1887. For a short time the couple lived at Meadowville and then moved to Logan, Utah. Three of their six children were born there. Golden and his brother, Elias, went into the implement business at Logan, Utah, and at Montpelier, Idaho. After four years of hard work in this enterprise, they "came out with experience plus experience." The venture was a total failure. "And thus," writes J. Golden, "we were prevented from chasing the golden calf. Moral: Don't set your heart upon riches, don't speculate, and don't go in debt." On April 6, 1892, while serving as president of the Southern States Mission, J. Golden Kimball was chosen a member of the First Council of the Seventy. In 1896, following his return from the mission field, he was selected one of the aids of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. His devoted service, these many years, to these two organizations and to the Church is generally known. For over forty years, he attended the executive meetings of these organizations and traveled throughout Zion, speaking words of encouragement and inspiration. There is no space to sketch in detail the kind of man J. Golden Kimball had grown to be, nor is there any need for this. Everyone knows what he was, and has the same high regard for his character, the same esteem for his friendship, the same tender feeling for him and his family, that we so often hear expressed. It is to another phase of his life that I would invite your attention. We often speak of him as friend. Have you ever thought of him as teacher? He probably taught few classes; certainly he never wrote a book, and yet in his way he was one of the outstanding teachers of our time. It was through those inimical sermons of his and his earnest manner of living that he taught. He had a way all his own, a way which commanded instant attention, won men to him, and made them remember his very words. His knowledge of the Gospel, his trenchant wit, his love of truth, his penetrating insight, his sane philosophy, his great sincerity and faith: all of these contributed to his equipment as a teacher of men. At the outset I confess admiration for J. Golden Kimball as a teacher. For many years I have loved him. Moreover, to me he was intensely interesting. Like so many others, I have been a ready listener as he spoke. And this, an educator would likely say, creates a favorable atmosphere for learning. But it was not alone from his words that he taught me. From his way of living, from his very life and conduct, I have learned valuable truths. From his reaction to the temptations laid in his path as a mere boy, and from his straightforward utterances and acts all during his lifetime, have come indelible lessons in honesty. From his eager acceptance upon the death of his father of the responsibility to support the family, when his mother urged him to stay in school, others have been made more willing to shoulder responsibilities. From his outstanding fairness as a contractor, digging basements, hauling rock; and then from the fact that he shared the profits with his brothers working with him while he himself as contractor met the losses whenever they occurred — these are lessons in fair and generous dealing. His pioneering in the cold bleak country of the Bear Lake, the hardships, the obstacles which he met and overcame, the disposition to meditate inspired by the lonely life, and his response to Dr. Maeser's appeal for education, leave their lessons deeply impressed. His sane attitude toward speculation, and his experience with it in the ventures into which he was drawn, preach their own kind of much-needed sermon. His years in the mission field and his subsequent service in the Church, in all more than fifty years, have inspired many to greater service. His love of truth, his ability to survey the field of truth and error, of fundamentals and frills, and to separate "the wheat from the chaff," have left inspiration to the truth loving. His love of the people, his love of friends, his devotion to the general welfare, are lessons in Christian conduct. Listening to the inner story of his life, as told by himself and others, it may be learned how he has fought to protect the honor and the virtue of others, and of how he has sought always to help men maintain and increase their self-respect. From J. Golden Kimball I have learned more about tolerance than from any other man. In the years I knew him he was uniformly considerate of the other man's views. He was tolerant and charitable. Dogmatism, so often the enemy of religion, was absent in his teaching and in his life. He met others on equal ground. He too had weaknesses; he admitted them freely. He too had suffered, physically and mentally. Disappointment, embarrassment, frequently crossed his path. He was humble, repentant, and he was kind and human. These things helped him to understand and feel for others, particularly the unfortunate. And between him and them there was a bond and common understanding. Despite his ten thousand friends, Brother Kimball was often a sad and lonely man. Much of his time was spent in meditation, much of it in sad reflection. How could this be, when he himself was the laugh- maker of the Church, when for decades men on the street have been calling for the latest J. Golden Kimball story, when audiences have listened for his pungent humor? Nevertheless, he was at heart a serious man. His wit was a natural but secondary bent. Agreeable to his calling, spiritual teaching was the great burden of his life's mission. This burden was heavy upon him, so heavy indeed that his meditation was directed toward the uplift of his people. What message would help them most and how best could he deliver it? Long hours he pondered upon this question. Very often, the answer he left to the inspiration of the occasion. He sensed most keenly the importance of keeping his audience awake and in a receptive mood to his teaching. In this his wit served him well. His humor was almost always spontaneous. From J. Golden Kimball's life it may be learned that humor has its place in the world, that it may act as the yeast to leaven the whole of life, that it can break down barriers, promote fellowship, preserve sanity, and make for general good feeling. Certainly in his case it played its part in teaching great spiritual truths. And it is not too much to assume that the gray days for thousands have been brightened by his sparkling wit, that their outlook on life has been made better by the rich, wholesome philosophy which invariably accompanied that spontaneous outburst of his humor. The sum total of these teachings would be considerable, but the greatest has been reserved to the last. This teacher was preeminently a man of faith. With all his being he believed in the immortality of the soul, in the divinity of Christ our Lord, and in the divine mission of Joseph Smith. His abiding faith was at the bottom of his useful life. Through his faith he learned the Gospel of the Master, and taught it to the people. Through his faith the sick were healed, he prophesied and his prophecies came to pass. Through his faith he became a man of power and influence for the uplift of his fellows. Surely no one ever doubted his sincerity in the things he taught, or in his loyalty to the Church. Many thousands there are, living and dead, who would gladly tell of substantial benefits received from the life and ministry of J. Golden Kimball, friend and teacher. |
J. GOLDEN KIMBALL
A RECENT PICTURE OF FOUR OCTOGENARIANS AMONG THE GENERAL AUTHORITIES SHOWING J. GOLDEN KIMBALL (LEFT) WITH PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT, PRESIDENT RUDGER CLAWSON, AND RULON S. WELLS.
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J. A. W. "J. Golden Kimball." Improvement Era. October 1938. pg. 608.
J. Golden Kimball
Rich in years and the good will of his fellow men, J. Golden Kimball, senior president of the First Council of Seventy, has entered the realms of Eternity. There he will be welcomed by the Master, as one who fought his fight well, and failed not in faith.
We who remain have lost another living link in the chain that binds us to the glorious pioneer days of Utah and the West. Upon us rests more and more the heavy but happy task of keeping alive, within the mountain valleys and throughout the world, as a burning light, the faith and ideals of our fathers.
This was really the life message of J. Golden Kimball. He clung to the memory of his prophetic sire, the distinguished pioneer leader Heber C. Kimball, and sought to carry over into this age, to fix upon the wills of living men, the high aspirations and unfaltering courage, the settled faith of his father and of those who with him built the foundations upon which stands the present day. He tried to translate the past into the present, and he did it effectively.
To J. Golden Kimball was vouchsafed a choice but uncommon gift. His thoughts expressed in public or private, lingered and echoed long after they were heard. This gift also placed upon him the keen responsibility of guarding well his every utterance and advice. It was this echoing gift that made him so unique a personality— one of a generation. To the best of his ability he used this power for the benefit of his fellow men.
Above all, the heart of J. Golden Kimball beat in unison with the restored Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Steadily, without thought of self, he served throughout his long life the interests of the Church, especially of the quorums of Seventy. His faith in the reality of the latter-day work of the Lord had risen to supreme knowledge. Doubt had fled. Men who attain such knowledge, whatever their human imperfections may be, are devotedly loyal to the Cause, its officers and members, and constitute the unshakeable foundation and framework of the Kingdom of God on earth.
May all who heard J. Golden Kimball, practice in their lives, and send down to the coming years, the wise counsel that he gave!—J. A. W.
J. Golden Kimball
Rich in years and the good will of his fellow men, J. Golden Kimball, senior president of the First Council of Seventy, has entered the realms of Eternity. There he will be welcomed by the Master, as one who fought his fight well, and failed not in faith.
We who remain have lost another living link in the chain that binds us to the glorious pioneer days of Utah and the West. Upon us rests more and more the heavy but happy task of keeping alive, within the mountain valleys and throughout the world, as a burning light, the faith and ideals of our fathers.
This was really the life message of J. Golden Kimball. He clung to the memory of his prophetic sire, the distinguished pioneer leader Heber C. Kimball, and sought to carry over into this age, to fix upon the wills of living men, the high aspirations and unfaltering courage, the settled faith of his father and of those who with him built the foundations upon which stands the present day. He tried to translate the past into the present, and he did it effectively.
To J. Golden Kimball was vouchsafed a choice but uncommon gift. His thoughts expressed in public or private, lingered and echoed long after they were heard. This gift also placed upon him the keen responsibility of guarding well his every utterance and advice. It was this echoing gift that made him so unique a personality— one of a generation. To the best of his ability he used this power for the benefit of his fellow men.
Above all, the heart of J. Golden Kimball beat in unison with the restored Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Steadily, without thought of self, he served throughout his long life the interests of the Church, especially of the quorums of Seventy. His faith in the reality of the latter-day work of the Lord had risen to supreme knowledge. Doubt had fled. Men who attain such knowledge, whatever their human imperfections may be, are devotedly loyal to the Cause, its officers and members, and constitute the unshakeable foundation and framework of the Kingdom of God on earth.
May all who heard J. Golden Kimball, practice in their lives, and send down to the coming years, the wise counsel that he gave!—J. A. W.
"Philosophy of J. Golden Kimball." Instructor. October 1938. pg. 472.
The Philosophy of J. Golden Kimball No better tribute to President Jonathan Golden Kimball, who passed away on September 2, 1938, could be given than to quote a passage from one of his own discourses in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. And so, instead of giving the details of his life and his manifold traits of character, which are easily available to the reader, we are giving here a brief quotation from a sermon of his delivered at the General Conference of the Church in October, 1926. It is serious, illuminating, positive, and tremendously suggestive. Here it is: We cannot look upon death as a great sorrow and calamity when it involves no' stain of honor and no loss of character. We wisely conclude the hand of Providence is in it, and good must come out of it, and we are comforted. * * * When we contemplate and think of our young men and women with their bright hopes of love, of truth and purity, of goodly gifts from God, of mind, of all sweet affections and aspirations, gone down, blotted out and spoiled, we cannot feel otherwise — be as hopeful and cheerful as we may —that life is dangerous unless we are guided and influenced by the Holy Spirit and directed by steady hands, by men and women as teachers of virtue, truthfulness and happiness, who are not afraid to speak in the name of the Lord. * * * "Men are that they might have joy." Happiness is the object and design of our creation and will be to the end of our existence if we pursue the path that leads to it. This path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness. To keep God's commandments we must know them. To know them we must read the scriptures and repent and be in tune with the Holy Spirit and He will lead us into all truth and show us things to come. I promise you that you shall hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it." |
Jonathan Golden Kimball
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"J. Golden Kimball." Relief Society Magazine. October 1938. pg. 622.
J. Golden Kimball
FOR many years the unwavering faith, the human understanding, the homely philosophy, the sparkling wit of J. Golden Kimball has given delight and helped many to see more clearly and walk more directly. A son of Heber C. Kimball, Elder Kimball inherited many of the sterling qualities of his pioneer ancestry. Accepting the faith of his father he has with diligence and devotion served his church. The positions of trust which he has held have given him contact with thousands of people whose lives he has influenced and whose love and respect he has gained. President of the First Council of Seventy, his passing is a distinct loss to the Church. His spontaneous, natural wit drove home to his interested listeners with clarity and conviction the truths which he desired they should know. His genial personality and words of wisdom will long be remembered.
The circumstances of his death in a traffic accident while returning from a visit to his daughter in California seem particularly tragic due to his advanced years and his declining health. The Relief Society extend to his family their deepest sympathy.
J. Golden Kimball
FOR many years the unwavering faith, the human understanding, the homely philosophy, the sparkling wit of J. Golden Kimball has given delight and helped many to see more clearly and walk more directly. A son of Heber C. Kimball, Elder Kimball inherited many of the sterling qualities of his pioneer ancestry. Accepting the faith of his father he has with diligence and devotion served his church. The positions of trust which he has held have given him contact with thousands of people whose lives he has influenced and whose love and respect he has gained. President of the First Council of Seventy, his passing is a distinct loss to the Church. His spontaneous, natural wit drove home to his interested listeners with clarity and conviction the truths which he desired they should know. His genial personality and words of wisdom will long be remembered.
The circumstances of his death in a traffic accident while returning from a visit to his daughter in California seem particularly tragic due to his advanced years and his declining health. The Relief Society extend to his family their deepest sympathy.