Charles Kimber facts for kids
Charles Kimber (born January 15, 1826 – died August 29, 1913) was an important person in early South Australia. He was an orchardist (someone who grows fruit trees), a flour miller (who grinds grain into flour), and a politician. He helped shape the community in the early days of the colony.
Contents
Charles Kimber's Life Story
Arriving in Australia
Charles Kimber was born in Newbury, Berkshire, England. He traveled a long way to South Australia, arriving on a ship called the John Woodhall on January 5, 1849.
His Businesses and Work
When he first arrived, Charles started as a storekeeper in a town called Burra. He then worked on the Yorke Peninsula and even tried farming near Mintaro.
Later, he moved to the Clare area. Here, he started planting currant vines. This became a very successful business and grew into a big industry for the region.
In 1864, Charles took over a flour mill in Clare. This mill was later replaced by the Clare Town Hall. In 1877, he leased the Clare mill to someone else and moved to Kadina to run another mill there. He returned to Clare in 1881 and ran the mill with his sons, Henry and Richard. He also had a mill in Riverton, which his son, Charles Kimber Jr., later managed.
Community Leader and Politician
Charles Kimber was very involved in his community. He held many important roles, including:
- Chairman of the Clare District Council
- Mayor of Clare
- A member of the North Midland Road Board
- A member of the Education Board of Advice
- A member of the Clare Licensing Bench
He was also elected to the South Australian House of Assembly. This is like being a member of parliament for South Australia. He represented the area called Stanley from April 1887 to April 1890.
Charles Kimber passed away on August 29, 1913.
His Family
Charles Kimber (1826–1913) married Maria Nankervis (around 1834 – September 17, 1925) on September 16, 1852. Their family home in Clare was called "Woodleigh." They had many children, including:
- John Kimber (1854 – October 31, 1893)
- Charles Kimber Jr. (August 2, 1855 – )
- Henry Kimber (July 20, 1857 – 1943)
- Richard Kimber (August 3, 1859 – 1947)
- William Kimber (April 8, 1863 – 1927) married Flora Eugenia Seppelt. She was the daughter of a famous winemaker, Benno Seppelt (1845–1931).
- Maddern Kimber (May 25, 1865 – May 30, 1932) was also an orchardist.
- Rosetta Jane "Rose" Kimber (August 15, 1867 – June 8, 1935)
- Her son, Evan Charles Russell "Dick" Evans (born around December 1895 – died September 18, 1918), was killed while serving in World War I.
- Alfred Ernest Kimber (August 8, 1869 – July 15, 1958)
- Edith Maria Kimber (November 11, 1871 – )
- Alice Ruth Kimber (January 10, 1874 – )
- James Woodleigh Kimber (December 21, 1875 – )
- His son, Arthur Woodleigh Kimber, was a well-known lacrosse player.
