James M. Kimbrough & Mary Ann Russell

James M. Kimbrough, my wife's 3rd great grandfather, and father of Merideth A. Kimbrough was born in Tennessee in 1822.  On October 5, 1843 he married Mary Ann Russell born in Maryland on May 12, 1827.  The marriage was in Hancock County, Illinois where both families had moved years earlier.  Benjamin Gallop, (Minister of God) performed the ceremony.  They engaged in farming for the next 30 years raising 11 children, Thomas, Elizabeth, William, John, Meredith, James, Mary, Carrie, Rosa, Edward (who died as a young child), and one that I have not yet identified.   James died at the age of about 51 in April 1873 of consumption (Tuberculosis).  His headstone (along with that of his son Edward (Eddie) is pictured here).

After Jame's death Mary relocated to Chanute, Kansas, along with the extended family.  She stayed in Chanute, living near family but mainly in her own home until her death at the age of 81 on Feb 9, 1910.  Most of her children stayed in Chanute.  Meredith went on to Rich Hill, MO and eventually to Spokane WA.  Pictured is Mary's headstone located in the Elmwood Cemetery in Chanute, KS



Meredith Arthur Kimbrough

Meredith Arthur Kimbrough, father of Jessie F. Kimbrough, and my wife's Great Great Grandfather was born on March 16, 1855 in Hancock county, Illinois.  He was one of 9 children.  He married Amanda Ervin on March 20, 1878 in Hancock county.  Amanda was one of 6 Ervins to marry a Kimbrough.  They resided in Carman Township, Henderson county which is a town so small it is still not officially incorporated, and lies on the banks of the Mississippi River.  Pictured to the left is the old Carman post office.  Meredith worked on the railroad.

After his father died, he and Amanda and their 1 year old daughter Bertha, along with all 8 of his siblings and their widowed mother moved to Rich Hill in Bates County Missouri.  Meredith and Amanda had three other children, Jessie, Thelma, and Gyneth.  Unfortunately Gyneth died as an infant.  In 1910, Meredith worked as the proprietor of a Billiard Hall.

The family moved to Spokane, WA about 1918 where Meredith took work as a Salesman for a grocery store.  By 1930 he and Amanda lived on Garden Springs Road in West Spokane where I believe their Grandson Otto was born.

Meredith died on Dec 26, 1934.