Matthias Kimball
New Hampshire: Resources, Attractions & Its People
By Hobart Pillsbury, 1927, Bio Volume, Page 277
Mattias Kimball - Although a leading spirit in the political
and religious circles of his community, and holder of public office on more than
one occasion, it is in the management of his one-hundred-acre estate, known as
Mountain View Farm, located on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, that Matthias
Kimball finds his greatest interest. One of the leading summer resorts of
New England, with accommodations for more than twenty guests, Mountain View
Farm, under Mr. Kimball's supervision, is patronized by a high class of
vacationists, who derive great pleasure from the various out-door recreations
available to them.
The son of Frank B. and Pamela (Elliott) Kimball, Mattias
Kimball was born, in 1857, in Belmont, where he attended school until he was
sixteen years of age. Upon leaving school, he was employed in the Amoskeag
Mills, Manchester, for several years, later going to Gilford to engage in
farming. It was in 1880 that he purchased his present estate, known as the
Winburn Sanborn Farm. New buildings were erected by Mr. Kimball, and other
improvements made the farm one of the most attractive and comfortable in New
Hampshire.
Mountain View Farm, as Mr. Kimball's property is now known,
situated as it is on an elevation facing the southern shore of Lake
Winnipesaukee and reaching to its waters in Gilford, has a location for beauty
of scenery, healthfulness and proximity to points of interest seldom equalled.
Lying in the immediate foreground, dotted with its numerous islands, is Lake
Winnipesaukee, which stretches away toward the Ossipee and Sandwich ranges,
Mounts Washington and Moosilauke; while on the east, near at hand, the Belknap
range rises in rugged outline. Excellent facilities for boating, bathing,
fishing, and mountain climbing make it an ideal vacation spot. The farm is
located four miles from the city of Laconia, two miles from The Weirs, and one
mile from Gilford (Sanders) Station. Twenty guest rooms are available, and
modern sanitation, new baths, gas and electric lights have been installed.
A lodge is available for evening and rainy-day amusements. Perhaps one of
the most attractive features of Mountain View is the fact that there is always
an abundant supply of milk and cream, chickens, eggs, small fruit and
vegetables, all of which are produced on the farm. Mail is delivered to
guests daily, and long distance telephone service is supplied. One of the
greatest attractions is, of course, Lake Winnepesaukee, twenty miles in length
and from one to eight miles wide, affording unrivalled opportunities for
excursions, bathing and fishing. The lake is well-stocked with fish and
several steamers ply its waters. The lake breezes are always pleasantly
cool, and many points of interest are easily accessible to guests and visitors.
A loyal Democrat in politics, Mr. Kimball has always been
interested in town politics. He has served as selectman and road
supervisor, and was a member of the Legislature in 1907-08. Fraternally,
he is a member of the Grange.
Matthias Kimball married (first) Ida B. Kimball, who passed
away in May, 1924. To Matthias and Ida B. (Kimball) Kimball was born one
daughter, Myrtie E. Mr. Kimball married (second) Alice M. Woodward.
The family takes a deep interest in the affairs of the Baptist church, of which
Mr. Kimball is a deacon. He was also served as superintendent and
treasurer of the Sunday school.