James P. Kimball facts for kids

James Putnam Kimball (born April 26, 1836 – died October 23, 1913) was an important American scientist. He was a metallurgist, which means he studied metals and how to get them from rocks. He was also a geologist, someone who studies the Earth's rocks and minerals. From 1885 to 1889, he had a very important job: he was the Director of the United States Mint, in charge of making all the coins for the country.

Early Life and Education

James P. Kimball was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1836. He was very smart and loved learning. In 1854, he started studying at Harvard University. After a year, he traveled to Berlin, Germany, to continue his studies. He then moved to the University of Göttingen, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1857. He also studied mining in Freiberg, Germany.

Early Career and Geological Surveys

After finishing his studies in Europe, Kimball returned to the United States. He became an assistant to Harvard University geology professor Josiah Whitney. Together, they explored areas in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa to study lead mining regions.

Later, Kimball became a professor of Chemistry and Economic Geology at the New York State Agricultural College. This college later became part of Cornell University.

Service During the Civil War

When the American Civil War began in 1861, Kimball joined the Union Army. He became a Captain and served as Chief of Staff for Brigadier-General M. R. Patrick. He was involved in many important battles, including the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Gettysburg. He served under famous generals like George B. McClellan and George Meade.

Life as a Mining Engineer

After the war, Kimball resigned from the army to become a mining engineer in New York City. He traveled a lot, studying coal and iron mines in Pennsylvania. He also explored silver mines in Mexico, Texas, and Utah. He often gave advice on how to design mining plants, using ideas from Europe.

In 1874, he got married and moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he became an honorary professor at Lehigh University. He was one of the first American geologists to study the mineral resources in Cuba and South America.

Kimball was also an early member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers. He wrote many articles for them and served as a vice-president. He even became president of the Everett Iron Company, which helped develop mines in Pennsylvania.

Director of the U.S. Mint

In 1885, President of the United States Grover Cleveland chose James Kimball to be the Director of the United States Mint. He held this important job from July 1885 to October 1889.

Kimball is especially known for a report he wrote that pointed out problems with the quality of the coins being made. His report led to big improvements in the equipment used at the mint. He also served on a special "Assay Commission" that checked the quality of coins each year.

Later Life and Legacy

After his time at the Mint, Kimball went back to his work as a consultant in New York City. In the early 1900s, he helped develop coal fields in Montana. He moved there later in his life with his son's family.

James Putnam Kimball died in Cody, Wyoming, on October 23, 1913. He was remembered as a "pioneer mining geologist of America" who did "clean honorable work."

Family Life

James Kimball married Mary Elizabeth Farley on July 22, 1874. They had three children: Russell, Edith, and Farley.