Dennis Kimberly

Dennis Kimberly (October 23, 1790 – December 15, 1862) was an American lawyer and politician.

Kimberly was born October 23, 1790, in what was then a part of New Haven, Connecticut, and is now the town of Orange, Connecticut. He was the youngest but one of the twelve children of Capt. Silas and Sarah (Smith) Kimberly. He was fitted for college in the school at Litchfield South Farms.

He graduated from Yale College in 1812. His chosen profession was the law, which he studied in Springfield with Geo. Bliss, Esq, and in Fairfield, Connecticut with Hon. Roger M Sherman. In March, 1814, he was admitted to the bar in New Haven, where he soon acquired a solid reputation.

In early life he bestowed much time on military affairs, holding finally the rank of Major General in the Connecticut State Militia. Other public offices were thrust upon him.

He was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1826, 27, 28, 29, 32 and 35. In 1831 he held the office of Mayor of New Haven and was reelected in 1833 but declined the appointment.

In 1838 he was chosen by the Legislature of Connecticut, a Senator of the United States, but after deliberation, he decided not to enter upon the office. He also declined a nomination for Governor of Connecticut at a time when his election was regarded as certain. A few years later, from 1845 to 1848, he was States Attorney for New Haven County, Connecticut.

On account of impaired health, Gen Kimberly, in July, 1852, began a tour in Europe, from which he returned in May, 1854, somewhat better, but he was far from being well during the closing years of his life. He continued to pay some attention to his professional business, and especially to the affairs of the New York and New Haven Railroad, in which he was a Director, until a few months before his death. This event occurred in New Haven, December 15, 1862, in his 73d year.

A discourse, commemorative of his life, was preached by Rev. E. L. Cleaveland, D D., and was printed. (New Haven. 22 pp. 8vo.)

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Yale Obituary Record.