Frank A. Kimball

Francis Augustus Kimball (January 26, 1832 – August 11, 1913) was an American businessman and horticulturalist. He is often associated with bringing the railroad to San Diego Bay, though he was also a prominent horticulturist and businessman, involved in developing the Mission olive industry. He helped promote new entrepreneurs and philanthropically donated land for cemeteries, schools, and churches. He began his career as a businessman when he opened a merchandise store. However, with the Panic of 1857, he fell into debt, which drove him to take out a loan and travel westward.

Life in California San Francisco Bay Area In 1861, Kimball moved to San Francisco. In December 1862, Kimball's wife came to San Francisco aboard the Orizaba. In San Francisco, Kimball and his brothers began carpentry work, and were able to send money back to New Hampshire to pay off his debts there. He had purchased the Rancho de la Nación on June 15 for $30,000, but due to an error on the deed the sale from François Louis Pioche was only finalized on June 18. At the time of purchase, no one resided on the lands of the rancho. The Kimball House was built in August-September 1868 and became the first house in National City. That same year Kimball had a hand in the founding of the San Diego Union newspaper. (It is claimed to be the first house built in the area between San Diego and the Mexico-United States Border.) Frank Kimball's sister Mary was married to Fred Copeland, who was a civil engineer. In 1875, he partially funded construction of a road from National City, via Jamul, to Fort Yuma. In 1869, Kimball received Mission olive tree cuttings from Mission San Diego de Alcalá in the San Diego River valley. By 1872, his cuttings had begun to bloom. Another orchard which Kimball grew was White Pearmain, an apple cultivar, which originated from a sapling from New Hampshire. In addition to the White Pearmain orchard, Kimball grew Ben Davis apples.

In 1880, Kimball was among those who helped organize the first San Diego County Fair. He would eventually grow more foreign olive cultivars, including the Cornicabra. this failure was partly due to the efforts of the Central Pacific Railroad. A decade later, in 1880, Kimball traveled to Boston and was able to secure a deal with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway to build a transcontinental rail terminus in National City in exchange for him giving the railroad . In 1887, Kimball funded the building of the Brick Row to house individuals connected to the Santa Fe Railway.

Other ventures In 1880, the Kimball brothers purchased half of Rancho Janal. In 1887, Kimball purchased the portion of Rancho Janal owned by his brother Warren. His Rancho Janal holdings were lost along with his other property.

In 1889, Kimball wrote a family history of José Antonio Estudillo. That same year Kimball was appointed commissioner of the State Board of Horticulture; in that role he lobbied for the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act. Also in 1889, Kimball invested in the creation of the Otay Watch Company; when its factory was completed in Otay (now in Chula Vista) it was the only watch manufacturer in the United States west of the Mississippi River. In April 1891, at their Victorian-style home, Kimball and his wife hosted the presidential party of President Benjamin Harrison, which included Secretary Jeremiah M. Rusk and Ulysses S. Grant Jr. In 1893, Kimball received a bronze medal for his olive oil exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago; at the exposition he also displayed pickled and dried olives.

Falling into debt At one point, Kimball was considered the wealthiest man in all of San Diego County. In 1901, Kimball's holdings in the Otay Watch Company were sold, and the watch company's equipment was shipped to Japan. In 1904, he was paid to travel to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, where he hosted an exhibit on the agriculture of San Diego.

Personal life Kimball became a Mason when he joined a lodge in New Hampshire.

On April 19, 1857, he married Sarah Currier. he donated the land the church was built upon. On August 11, 1913, Frank A. Kimball died and on August 13, was buried at La Vista Memorial Park on the outskirts of National City, alongside many other members of the Kimball family.

Legacy Frank Kimball has been described as "the founder of National City". The city's continued existence is in large part a result of his efforts. In addition his importation of flora from outside of the United States has had a lasting impact on horticulture.