William Kimball
(1828–1904)

Pianos and reed and pipe organ manufacturer Kimball was born in Rumford Maine, and made his fortune in real estate. Before the panic of 1857, he moved to Chicago and acquired a music store. In 1879 he began building pianos and organs, and was so successful that in 1882 he went into full-scale production. Kimball Avenue in Chicago is named for him.

photo and text by Joe Collier