Samuel L. Kimmel, a well-known and successful farmer and stockman of Southern Kansas, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Mercer county, that State, March 15, 1847, and is a son of Henry and Susan (Hinds) Kimmel, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born in Indiana county, April 30, 1817, and died in Mercer county, Ohio, August 29, 1878. The mother was born in Ohio, September 28, 1831, and died in Mercer county, Ohio, November 5, 1907. They were the parents of eleven children: Samuel L., the subject of this sketch; Silas, died in childhood; William; Mary Ellen; Ann; Alice; Jane; Jacob; Absalom; Andrew and George. Samuel L. Kimmel received his education in the public schools of Ohio, and remained in his native State until 1883. He then came to Kansas, practically, without any means and preempted government land in Liberty township, Harper county. His first few years was a struggle for existence, and a battle for a start in life. Drouths and crop failures were frequent, apparently, more so, than any time since, but he persisted and worked hard, and has been rewarded by success. He bought additional land, from time to time, until he now owns 1,600 acres of the most valuable land in Harper county, in one body. It is known as "Kimmel's Ranch." The improvements are modern in every particular and the land is very productive, and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Kimmel is one of the most extensive stock raisers in Harper county, raising horses, cattle and swine on a large scale. He was united in marriage November 1, 1870, in Mercer county, Ohio, to Miss Jane Tester, a native of that county, born February 16, 1850. She is a daughter of David and Betsy (Cluter) Tester, both natives of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel have been born seven children: Mary Rosethy, born July 22, 1871, married John Miller; Lucy Florence, born January 24, 1873, married Elkaney Cox; Silas, born March 3, 1875, died December 14, 1876; David Henry, born March 16, 1878, died October 11, 1878; John, born October 3, 1881; George W., born February 27, 1884, and Ada Dell, born March 19, 1888, married John Cox. Mr. Kimmel is a Democrat, and is a firm believer and a staunch advocate of the principles and policies of his party, but has never aspired to hold political office. However, he has incidentally served as treasurer, trustee and clerk of his township. The family is prominent, socially, and Mr. Kimmel is one of the substantial men of Harper county.