Kimball Sedgwick
Kimball Sedgwick, secretary and manager of the Sunbury Co-operative Creamery Company, at Sunbury, Ohio, was born in this place, July 17, 1862, and is a son of William S. and Irene (Kimball) Sedgwick.
The father of Mr. Sedgwick was formerly a minister in the Baptist Church and became State superintendent of Sunday schools for that body for the State of Kentucky. He was born May 24, 1836, was reared at Duncan Falls, Ohio, and died in Kentucky, September 29, 1866. He was married to Irene Kimball, September 25, 1861. She contracted a second marriage, with the late George Armstrong, who died January 29, 1886. Of the first marriage there were two children—Kimball and George. The latter was accidentally killed on the railroad, when 16 years old. Of the second marriage there was one son—Charles O., who resides with his mother in Sunbury, and who. since 1894, has been assistant cashier of the Farmers' Bank, of this place.
Kimball Sedgwick obtained his education in the schools of Sunbury and took a business course in a commercial college at Cleveland, Ohio. When 16 years of age he became a clerk in a drygoods store at Sunbury and when 22 years old he conducted a dry goods and grocery business, in which he continued to be interested for 15 years.
Mr. Sedgwick was married in February, 1884, to Sarah Louise Brown, who was born in Lake County, Ohio, and who is a daughter of Watson H. and Sarah (Armstrong) Brown. They have three children, namely: George, Elizabeth and Roland. In politics he is a Republican. He is a Mason and a member of the Eastern Star.
On the death of Joseph Kimball (his uncle), who was prominently identified with the Sunbury Co-operative Creamery Company. Mr. Sedgwick sold out his mercantile interests and became secretary and manager of this concern which has been organized since January 28, 1892, by the farmers and citizens of this vicinity. For 11 years, the late Joseph H. Kimball was secretary and manager, and the late Otis H. Kimball, formerly president of the Farmers' Bank, was treasurer for 12 years.
This enterprise has proved profitable from the start. Milk to the amount of 2,298 pounds was received May 2, 1892, with 22 patrons. A steady growth has followed and in the month of July, 1907, the amount of milk received was 1,927,106 pounds and the amount of butter produced was 110,000 pounds, with 1,034 patrons. In 1907 the vast sum of $223,000 was paid out to farmers. In 1901 the creamery commenced establishing skimming stations and they now have them at Cheshire, Condit, Centervillage, Eden and Marino, embracing territory of about 15 mile radius. Their products are shipped to leading points, and they have no second quality. The officers of the company are: L. James Wilson, president; William D. Miller, vice-president; C. O. Armstrong, treasurer, and Kimball Sedgwick, secretary and manager. The board of directors is made up of the following leading citizens: James Cockrell, Jasper Boyd. John Landin, Edwin Phillips, Samuel Rosecrans, L. James Wilson and William D. Miller, the most of whom have been in office since the establishment of the business. During the year 1906-07, there has been erected a modern, fire-proof plant, built according to sanitary principles, that is not excelled in any way by any other in the country. The plant has cost about $30,000, and the location covers three and a half acres. The business is conducted with farmers on a strictly co-operative plan. It is one of the most prosperous industries of Delaware County.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908