Hudson’s elementary students and those familiar with Hudson History are aware of the significant work Kimball Webster achieved when he researched and documented his History of Hudson. Published in 1913 his book is considered THE reference for the history of our town from 1673, when we were a part of Dunstable, MA until 1913. This book is full of interesting stories and facts about Hudson.
Kimball was a 7th generation descendant from the immigrant John Webster. Kimball was born November 1828 in Pelham and educated in the schools of Pelham and Hudson
In 1849 at the age of 20 he left home and became one of the California Pioneers. Having heard of the great gold discovery in California, he traveled to Independence, MO where he joined a company of 28 men, outfitted with pack mules and horses, to travel to CA. During his travels he kept a journal which he published in book form as “Gold Seekers of ’49″.
By 1857 he returned to Hudson, married Abiah Cutter of Pelham and they settled on a portion of his great-grandfather Cumming’s farm.
Professionally Kimball was a surveyor and an engineer with 50 years experience tracing old lines and boundaries and finding lost landmarks. In this he was considered an expert.
Kimball Webster died in June of 1916 at 87 years old.
The 5 daughters of Kimball and Abiah (Cutter) Webster taken C1920 on the front porch of the Robinson Homestead on Old Robinson Road. In the front row from the left are Julia Anne, Mary Newton, and Eliza Ball. In the second are Lizzie Jane and Ella Francis (order not certain). If any of our readers can assist with this identification please contact the society at HudsonHistorical@live.com.
Research by Ruth Parker at https://rememberhudsonnhwhen.com. Photos courtesy of the Hudson Historical Society. To purchase a copy of Kimball Webster’s book please contact the Historical Society.