William Henry Kimball

Who was William Henry Kimball?

William Henry Kimball was a Mormon pioneer and was the oldest son of Heber C. Kimball, an early Latter-day Saint leader.

Kimball was born in Mendon, New York. He earned his place in Mormon pioneer history for his bravery and gallantry in defending his family and the Latter-day Saints. Kimball served as a general in the Utah Militia and led his men in the Indian wars and handcart pioneer rescue. As one of "Brigham's Boys", he was on call to serve whenever and wherever Brigham Young and the other Mormon leaders needed minutemen to protect the pioneers. Kimball settled in Parley's Park, where his stage station and hotel gained notoriety with travelers, including Mark Twain. Like many early Latter-day Saints, Kimball practiced plural marriage and had five wives and twenty-five children. His house and barn stand to this day at Kimball's Junction near Park City, Utah.

Kimball was a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England from 1854 to 1857.

Kimball died in Coalville, Utah.