First given name believed to be "Ebenezer", but several sources can be found that refer to him as "Eben" for short. Will use "Eben" as a nickname on this memorial for that reason.
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Fairfield Daily Ledger
Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa
Tuesday May 24, 1927
Pg. 1 Col. 1
E.F. SIMMONS IS DEAD AFTER A 2-YEAR ILLNESS
End Came Last Night To Prominent Citizen and Member of the Bar
E. F. Simmons, native of Jefferson county and widely known as a lawayer and citizen, passed away at his home, 507 East Burlington street, last night at 8:50 oclock after an illness lasting two years.
He was conscious yesterday morning about 7 oclock when his sister, Miss Sara Simmons of Milwaukee arrived, and recongnized her. He soon lapsed into a peaceful unconsciousness, however, and remained so until the end.
The funeral will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 oclock tomorrow afternoon, the services being in charge of Dr. H. B. Scoles, the pastor, assisted by Dr. W. R. Keesey of Ottumwa, the district superintendent. Interment will be at Evergreen cemetery where the services at the grave will be private.
Mr. Simmons was a life long and devoted member of the Methodist church and one of his greatest contributions to its progress was when as a member of the committtee of three - he and L.T. Gobble and O.F. Fryer - he gave generously of his time to the building of the new First Methodist church. He long had been a trustee of the church, and was one of its prominent and most dependable members.
Mr. Simmons suffered an injury some years ago which is thought to havve caused his malady. He was operated on at Iowa City December 31, 1924, and since that time had been at his office only for a little while at a time, gradually relinquishing all his business activities to his sons. He has been confined to his home for months.
Mr. Simmons was born near Brookville, March 10, 1855, and had lived in this county all his life, except for a little while in 1861-63 when his parents lived back in their old home in Ohio.
>To Parsons College>
His youthful days were spent on the farm and in the country schools, but when Parsons college opened for its first session Mr. Simmons was on hand to regiter (sic), having walked with his brother Charles from the farm near Brookville to matriculate. Later he attended Iowa Wesleyan University, and then entered the law offices of Leggett & McKemey to "read law" after the fashion of the day. He was admitted to practice by the supreme court of the state December 9, 1885. In December, 1896, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, J. S. McKemey. This continued for four years. He then joined H. C. Raney in the practice of his profession, the connection existing until Mr. Raney's death in 1910 (sic. 1903 ??).
He was county attorney for four years, being firest elected in 1895, and for four years, beginning Januay 1, 1896, he was city solicitor.
For a time he was associated with the late W. G. Ross in the firm of Simmons & Ross and this was dissolved to make way for the firm of Simmons, Simmons & Simmons.
Mr. Simmons married Miss Geneva M. McCoid of Logan, Iowa, August 12, 1891. They had five children - Beverly, whose home now is in Chicago; James M. and William W., who in time became members of the firm with their father; E. L. (sic. Edward L.), who is living in albia and practicing his profession of law, and Margaret, who teaches in the High school (sic. in Fairfield, Iowa).
Mrs. Simmons and all five of the children and his sister Sara were at his bedside when he passed away.
He is survived by another sister, Miss Nancy L. Simmons of Denver, and a brother, Charles W. Simmons of Plateau City, Colo.
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 246
Eben F. SIMMONS, junior member of the law firm of McKemey & SIMMONS, of Fairfield, was born in Locust Grove Township, Jefferson County, March 10, 1855, and is a son of W. L. S. and Sarah (WEAVER) SIMMONS. His parents were from Clermont County, Ohio, but are numbered among the early settlers of Jefferson County. In 1842, his father visited this county, and after securing some land and a home, returned to his native State, and was married. Accompanied by his bride, he at once started for the West -- then the western wilds of Iowa, where he has since resided. A sketch of this worthy gentleman appears on another page of this work.
Our subject was provided with liberal educational advantages in his youth, and on the completion of a course in the Iowa Wesleyan University of Mt. Pleasant, came to Fairfield in September, 1883. The legal profession seemed an attractive one to him, and desiring to pursue it as a means of livelihood, he entred upon the study of law in the office of Leggett & McKemey. After a thorough course of reading he was admitted to practice in the State courts, and in the Supreme Court of the State in December, 1885. After spending a year as a clerk with his preceptors, he formed the existing partnership with J. S. McKemey, who had severed his connection with Mr. Leggett on the election of the latter to the District Judgeship. The firm of McKemey & SIMMONS has acquired a very fair practice, which is steadily increasing. Mr. SIMMONS is a Republican in politics.
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From the History of Jefferson County - 1912, Volume II, Pages 89-91.
E. F. SIMMONS
E. F. Simmons is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of every community and one which has long been considered as conserving the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He entered upon the practice of law in Fairfield in 1885 and in the intervening period, covering more than a quarter of a century, has built up a reputation such as is gained only by individual merit and ability attested in the actual work of the courts.
Mr. Simmons is one of Jefferson county's native sons, his birth having occurred near Brookville, March 10, 1855. His parents were W. L. S. and Sarah (Weaver) Simmons, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio, the former born January 10, 1822, and the latter January 31, 1825. On the 1st of May, 1842, Mr. Simmons arrived in Jefferson county, Iowa, long prior to the admission of the state into the Union, entering land in Locust Grove township, after which he returned to his native state and in Clermont county married Sarah Weaver. The return journey to Ohio was made on horseback and the winter was passed in Illinois. He had to work untiringly and diligently in order to get enough capital with which to establish his home and make a start in life. The marriage of the parents was celebrated in 1849, after which they journeyed westward to Iowa. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made on the place when it came into possession of Mr. Simmons but with untiring energy he undertook the task of breaking the sod and converting the wild lands into fields. He resided upon the farm near Brookville until 1861, when he again went to Clermont county, Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1863. Once more he came to Jefferson county and was thereafter actively engaged in farming until 1896, when, with a comfortable competence acquired through years of earnest and persistent toil, he retired from business life to take up his abode in Fairfield, where his death occurred July 5, 1901. He had been more or less prominent in the public life of the community and in 1875 had been elected to represent his district in the state legislature as the candidate of the republican party. He held membership in the Methodist church and his influence was ever on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement. Not only did he witness a remarkable transformation in the county from the period of his first arrival until his death but was also an active participant in the labors and changes that brought the county up to a leading position among the foremost counties of this great commonwealth. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: E. F., C. W., living in Plateau City, Colorado; Sarah B., a resident of Utah; Nancy W., of Chicago, and three that died in infancy.
E. F. Simmons has spent his entire life in Jefferson county with the exception of the brief period from 1861 until 1863, when the family were living in Ohio. His youthful days were spent upon the home farm and here he became familiar with the task of cultivating the fields and caring for the crops. After his public school education supplemented by study in Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, he took up the study of law in the office and under the direction of Leggett & McKemey, attorneys of Fairfield, who directed his reading until he was admitted to practice on the 9th of December, 1885, by the supreme court of the State of Iowa. In December, 1896, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, J. S. McKemey, which continued four years, after which he contracted a partnership with H. C. Raney that continued until Mr. Raney's death in 1910 (sic. 1903 ??). He is well versed in the principles of law and is seldom if ever at fault in the application of a legal principle or in the citation of a precedent. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skills and marshals the evidence with the precision of a military commander, never losing sight of any point that bears upon the case and at the same time always keeping to the fore the important point upon which every question finally turns. He has filled the office of county attorney for four years, having been first elected in 1895. On the 1st of January, 1896, he became city solicitor and filled that office four years, at the end of which time his record received public indorsement in his reelection in the spring of 1911.
On the 12th of August, 1891, Mr. Simmons was married to Miss Geneva M. McCoid, of Logan, Iowa, a daughter of James McCoid, and they now have five children, Beverly F., James M. and William W., twins, Edgar L. and Margaret. Mr. Simmons is giving his children good educational privileges and is a warm friend of the public schools. He has served for three terms, or nine years, as a member of the school board and has done much to advance the standard of education in Fairfield. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has been well spend and his record is as an open book which all may read. The comrades of his youth remain the friends of his manhood and the circle of his friendship continually broadens as the circle of his acquaintance is extended.
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----------
Note: a child "Beverly" was a son, not a daughter. That sort of name for a male wasn't uncommon at that time, but in modern times it is easily misinterpreted as being that of a female.
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Fairfield Daily Ledger
Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa
Tuesday May 24, 1927
Pg. 1 Col. 1
E.F. SIMMONS IS DEAD AFTER A 2-YEAR ILLNESS
End Came Last Night To Prominent Citizen and Member of the Bar
E. F. Simmons, native of Jefferson county and widely known as a lawayer and citizen, passed away at his home, 507 East Burlington street, last night at 8:50 oclock after an illness lasting two years.
He was conscious yesterday morning about 7 oclock when his sister, Miss Sara Simmons of Milwaukee arrived, and recongnized her. He soon lapsed into a peaceful unconsciousness, however, and remained so until the end.
The funeral will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 oclock tomorrow afternoon, the services being in charge of Dr. H. B. Scoles, the pastor, assisted by Dr. W. R. Keesey of Ottumwa, the district superintendent. Interment will be at Evergreen cemetery where the services at the grave will be private.
Mr. Simmons was a life long and devoted member of the Methodist church and one of his greatest contributions to its progress was when as a member of the committtee of three - he and L.T. Gobble and O.F. Fryer - he gave generously of his time to the building of the new First Methodist church. He long had been a trustee of the church, and was one of its prominent and most dependable members.
Mr. Simmons suffered an injury some years ago which is thought to havve caused his malady. He was operated on at Iowa City December 31, 1924, and since that time had been at his office only for a little while at a time, gradually relinquishing all his business activities to his sons. He has been confined to his home for months.
Mr. Simmons was born near Brookville, March 10, 1855, and had lived in this county all his life, except for a little while in 1861-63 when his parents lived back in their old home in Ohio.
>To Parsons College>
His youthful days were spent on the farm and in the country schools, but when Parsons college opened for its first session Mr. Simmons was on hand to regiter (sic), having walked with his brother Charles from the farm near Brookville to matriculate. Later he attended Iowa Wesleyan University, and then entered the law offices of Leggett & McKemey to "read law" after the fashion of the day. He was admitted to practice by the supreme court of the state December 9, 1885. In December, 1896, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, J. S. McKemey. This continued for four years. He then joined H. C. Raney in the practice of his profession, the connection existing until Mr. Raney's death in 1910 (sic. 1903 ??).
He was county attorney for four years, being firest elected in 1895, and for four years, beginning Januay 1, 1896, he was city solicitor.
For a time he was associated with the late W. G. Ross in the firm of Simmons & Ross and this was dissolved to make way for the firm of Simmons, Simmons & Simmons.
Mr. Simmons married Miss Geneva M. McCoid of Logan, Iowa, August 12, 1891. They had five children - Beverly, whose home now is in Chicago; James M. and William W., who in time became members of the firm with their father; E. L. (sic. Edward L.), who is living in albia and practicing his profession of law, and Margaret, who teaches in the High school (sic. in Fairfield, Iowa).
Mrs. Simmons and all five of the children and his sister Sara were at his bedside when he passed away.
He is survived by another sister, Miss Nancy L. Simmons of Denver, and a brother, Charles W. Simmons of Plateau City, Colo.
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 246
Eben F. SIMMONS, junior member of the law firm of McKemey & SIMMONS, of Fairfield, was born in Locust Grove Township, Jefferson County, March 10, 1855, and is a son of W. L. S. and Sarah (WEAVER) SIMMONS. His parents were from Clermont County, Ohio, but are numbered among the early settlers of Jefferson County. In 1842, his father visited this county, and after securing some land and a home, returned to his native State, and was married. Accompanied by his bride, he at once started for the West -- then the western wilds of Iowa, where he has since resided. A sketch of this worthy gentleman appears on another page of this work.
Our subject was provided with liberal educational advantages in his youth, and on the completion of a course in the Iowa Wesleyan University of Mt. Pleasant, came to Fairfield in September, 1883. The legal profession seemed an attractive one to him, and desiring to pursue it as a means of livelihood, he entred upon the study of law in the office of Leggett & McKemey. After a thorough course of reading he was admitted to practice in the State courts, and in the Supreme Court of the State in December, 1885. After spending a year as a clerk with his preceptors, he formed the existing partnership with J. S. McKemey, who had severed his connection with Mr. Leggett on the election of the latter to the District Judgeship. The firm of McKemey & SIMMONS has acquired a very fair practice, which is steadily increasing. Mr. SIMMONS is a Republican in politics.
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From the History of Jefferson County - 1912, Volume II, Pages 89-91.
E. F. SIMMONS
E. F. Simmons is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of every community and one which has long been considered as conserving the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He entered upon the practice of law in Fairfield in 1885 and in the intervening period, covering more than a quarter of a century, has built up a reputation such as is gained only by individual merit and ability attested in the actual work of the courts.
Mr. Simmons is one of Jefferson county's native sons, his birth having occurred near Brookville, March 10, 1855. His parents were W. L. S. and Sarah (Weaver) Simmons, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio, the former born January 10, 1822, and the latter January 31, 1825. On the 1st of May, 1842, Mr. Simmons arrived in Jefferson county, Iowa, long prior to the admission of the state into the Union, entering land in Locust Grove township, after which he returned to his native state and in Clermont county married Sarah Weaver. The return journey to Ohio was made on horseback and the winter was passed in Illinois. He had to work untiringly and diligently in order to get enough capital with which to establish his home and make a start in life. The marriage of the parents was celebrated in 1849, after which they journeyed westward to Iowa. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made on the place when it came into possession of Mr. Simmons but with untiring energy he undertook the task of breaking the sod and converting the wild lands into fields. He resided upon the farm near Brookville until 1861, when he again went to Clermont county, Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1863. Once more he came to Jefferson county and was thereafter actively engaged in farming until 1896, when, with a comfortable competence acquired through years of earnest and persistent toil, he retired from business life to take up his abode in Fairfield, where his death occurred July 5, 1901. He had been more or less prominent in the public life of the community and in 1875 had been elected to represent his district in the state legislature as the candidate of the republican party. He held membership in the Methodist church and his influence was ever on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement. Not only did he witness a remarkable transformation in the county from the period of his first arrival until his death but was also an active participant in the labors and changes that brought the county up to a leading position among the foremost counties of this great commonwealth. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: E. F., C. W., living in Plateau City, Colorado; Sarah B., a resident of Utah; Nancy W., of Chicago, and three that died in infancy.
E. F. Simmons has spent his entire life in Jefferson county with the exception of the brief period from 1861 until 1863, when the family were living in Ohio. His youthful days were spent upon the home farm and here he became familiar with the task of cultivating the fields and caring for the crops. After his public school education supplemented by study in Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, he took up the study of law in the office and under the direction of Leggett & McKemey, attorneys of Fairfield, who directed his reading until he was admitted to practice on the 9th of December, 1885, by the supreme court of the State of Iowa. In December, 1896, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, J. S. McKemey, which continued four years, after which he contracted a partnership with H. C. Raney that continued until Mr. Raney's death in 1910 (sic. 1903 ??). He is well versed in the principles of law and is seldom if ever at fault in the application of a legal principle or in the citation of a precedent. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skills and marshals the evidence with the precision of a military commander, never losing sight of any point that bears upon the case and at the same time always keeping to the fore the important point upon which every question finally turns. He has filled the office of county attorney for four years, having been first elected in 1895. On the 1st of January, 1896, he became city solicitor and filled that office four years, at the end of which time his record received public indorsement in his reelection in the spring of 1911.
On the 12th of August, 1891, Mr. Simmons was married to Miss Geneva M. McCoid, of Logan, Iowa, a daughter of James McCoid, and they now have five children, Beverly F., James M. and William W., twins, Edgar L. and Margaret. Mr. Simmons is giving his children good educational privileges and is a warm friend of the public schools. He has served for three terms, or nine years, as a member of the school board and has done much to advance the standard of education in Fairfield. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has been well spend and his record is as an open book which all may read. The comrades of his youth remain the friends of his manhood and the circle of his friendship continually broadens as the circle of his acquaintance is extended.
----------
----------
Note: a child "Beverly" was a son, not a daughter. That sort of name for a male wasn't uncommon at that time, but in modern times it is easily misinterpreted as being that of a female.
First given name believed to be "Ebenezer", but several sources can be found that refer to him as "Eben" for short. Will use "Eben" as a nickname on this memorial for that reason.
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Fairfield Daily Ledger
Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa
Tuesday May 24, 1927
Pg. 1 Col. 1
E.F. SIMMONS IS DEAD AFTER A 2-YEAR ILLNESS
End Came Last Night To Prominent Citizen and Member of the Bar
E. F. Simmons, native of Jefferson county and widely known as a lawayer and citizen, passed away at his home, 507 East Burlington street, last night at 8:50 oclock after an illness lasting two years.
He was conscious yesterday morning about 7 oclock when his sister, Miss Sara Simmons of Milwaukee arrived, and recongnized her. He soon lapsed into a peaceful unconsciousness, however, and remained so until the end.
The funeral will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 oclock tomorrow afternoon, the services being in charge of Dr. H. B. Scoles, the pastor, assisted by Dr. W. R. Keesey of Ottumwa, the district superintendent. Interment will be at Evergreen cemetery where the services at the grave will be private.
Mr. Simmons was a life long and devoted member of the Methodist church and one of his greatest contributions to its progress was when as a member of the committtee of three - he and L.T. Gobble and O.F. Fryer - he gave generously of his time to the building of the new First Methodist church. He long had been a trustee of the church, and was one of its prominent and most dependable members.
Mr. Simmons suffered an injury some years ago which is thought to havve caused his malady. He was operated on at Iowa City December 31, 1924, and since that time had been at his office only for a little while at a time, gradually relinquishing all his business activities to his sons. He has been confined to his home for months.
Mr. Simmons was born near Brookville, March 10, 1855, and had lived in this county all his life, except for a little while in 1861-63 when his parents lived back in their old home in Ohio.
>To Parsons College>
His youthful days were spent on the farm and in the country schools, but when Parsons college opened for its first session Mr. Simmons was on hand to regiter (sic), having walked with his brother Charles from the farm near Brookville to matriculate. Later he attended Iowa Wesleyan University, and then entered the law offices of Leggett & McKemey to "read law" after the fashion of the day. He was admitted to practice by the supreme court of the state December 9, 1885. In December, 1896, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, J. S. McKemey. This continued for four years. He then joined H. C. Raney in the practice of his profession, the connection existing until Mr. Raney's death in 1910 (sic. 1903 ??).
He was county attorney for four years, being firest elected in 1895, and for four years, beginning Januay 1, 1896, he was city solicitor.
For a time he was associated with the late W. G. Ross in the firm of Simmons & Ross and this was dissolved to make way for the firm of Simmons, Simmons & Simmons.
Mr. Simmons married Miss Geneva M. McCoid of Logan, Iowa, August 12, 1891. They had five children - Beverly, whose home now is in Chicago; James M. and William W., who in time became members of the firm with their father; E. L. (sic. Edward L.), who is living in albia and practicing his profession of law, and Margaret, who teaches in the High school (sic. in Fairfield, Iowa).
Mrs. Simmons and all five of the children and his sister Sara were at his bedside when he passed away.
He is survived by another sister, Miss Nancy L. Simmons of Denver, and a brother, Charles W. Simmons of Plateau City, Colo.
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 246
Eben F. SIMMONS, junior member of the law firm of McKemey & SIMMONS, of Fairfield, was born in Locust Grove Township, Jefferson County, March 10, 1855, and is a son of W. L. S. and Sarah (WEAVER) SIMMONS. His parents were from Clermont County, Ohio, but are numbered among the early settlers of Jefferson County. In 1842, his father visited this county, and after securing some land and a home, returned to his native State, and was married. Accompanied by his bride, he at once started for the West -- then the western wilds of Iowa, where he has since resided. A sketch of this worthy gentleman appears on another page of this work.
Our subject was provided with liberal educational advantages in his youth, and on the completion of a course in the Iowa Wesleyan University of Mt. Pleasant, came to Fairfield in September, 1883. The legal profession seemed an attractive one to him, and desiring to pursue it as a means of livelihood, he entred upon the study of law in the office of Leggett & McKemey. After a thorough course of reading he was admitted to practice in the State courts, and in the Supreme Court of the State in December, 1885. After spending a year as a clerk with his preceptors, he formed the existing partnership with J. S. McKemey, who had severed his connection with Mr. Leggett on the election of the latter to the District Judgeship. The firm of McKemey & SIMMONS has acquired a very fair practice, which is steadily increasing. Mr. SIMMONS is a Republican in politics.
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From the History of Jefferson County - 1912, Volume II, Pages 89-91.
E. F. SIMMONS
E. F. Simmons is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of every community and one which has long been considered as conserving the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He entered upon the practice of law in Fairfield in 1885 and in the intervening period, covering more than a quarter of a century, has built up a reputation such as is gained only by individual merit and ability attested in the actual work of the courts.
Mr. Simmons is one of Jefferson county's native sons, his birth having occurred near Brookville, March 10, 1855. His parents were W. L. S. and Sarah (Weaver) Simmons, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio, the former born January 10, 1822, and the latter January 31, 1825. On the 1st of May, 1842, Mr. Simmons arrived in Jefferson county, Iowa, long prior to the admission of the state into the Union, entering land in Locust Grove township, after which he returned to his native state and in Clermont county married Sarah Weaver. The return journey to Ohio was made on horseback and the winter was passed in Illinois. He had to work untiringly and diligently in order to get enough capital with which to establish his home and make a start in life. The marriage of the parents was celebrated in 1849, after which they journeyed westward to Iowa. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made on the place when it came into possession of Mr. Simmons but with untiring energy he undertook the task of breaking the sod and converting the wild lands into fields. He resided upon the farm near Brookville until 1861, when he again went to Clermont county, Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1863. Once more he came to Jefferson county and was thereafter actively engaged in farming until 1896, when, with a comfortable competence acquired through years of earnest and persistent toil, he retired from business life to take up his abode in Fairfield, where his death occurred July 5, 1901. He had been more or less prominent in the public life of the community and in 1875 had been elected to represent his district in the state legislature as the candidate of the republican party. He held membership in the Methodist church and his influence was ever on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement. Not only did he witness a remarkable transformation in the county from the period of his first arrival until his death but was also an active participant in the labors and changes that brought the county up to a leading position among the foremost counties of this great commonwealth. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: E. F., C. W., living in Plateau City, Colorado; Sarah B., a resident of Utah; Nancy W., of Chicago, and three that died in infancy.
E. F. Simmons has spent his entire life in Jefferson county with the exception of the brief period from 1861 until 1863, when the family were living in Ohio. His youthful days were spent upon the home farm and here he became familiar with the task of cultivating the fields and caring for the crops. After his public school education supplemented by study in Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, he took up the study of law in the office and under the direction of Leggett & McKemey, attorneys of Fairfield, who directed his reading until he was admitted to practice on the 9th of December, 1885, by the supreme court of the State of Iowa. In December, 1896, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, J. S. McKemey, which continued four years, after which he contracted a partnership with H. C. Raney that continued until Mr. Raney's death in 1910 (sic. 1903 ??). He is well versed in the principles of law and is seldom if ever at fault in the application of a legal principle or in the citation of a precedent. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skills and marshals the evidence with the precision of a military commander, never losing sight of any point that bears upon the case and at the same time always keeping to the fore the important point upon which every question finally turns. He has filled the office of county attorney for four years, having been first elected in 1895. On the 1st of January, 1896, he became city solicitor and filled that office four years, at the end of which time his record received public indorsement in his reelection in the spring of 1911.
On the 12th of August, 1891, Mr. Simmons was married to Miss Geneva M. McCoid, of Logan, Iowa, a daughter of James McCoid, and they now have five children, Beverly F., James M. and William W., twins, Edgar L. and Margaret. Mr. Simmons is giving his children good educational privileges and is a warm friend of the public schools. He has served for three terms, or nine years, as a member of the school board and has done much to advance the standard of education in Fairfield. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has been well spend and his record is as an open book which all may read. The comrades of his youth remain the friends of his manhood and the circle of his friendship continually broadens as the circle of his acquaintance is extended.
----------
----------
Note: a child "Beverly" was a son, not a daughter. That sort of name for a male wasn't uncommon at that time, but in modern times it is easily misinterpreted as being that of a female.
----------
----------
Fairfield Daily Ledger
Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa
Tuesday May 24, 1927
Pg. 1 Col. 1
E.F. SIMMONS IS DEAD AFTER A 2-YEAR ILLNESS
End Came Last Night To Prominent Citizen and Member of the Bar
E. F. Simmons, native of Jefferson county and widely known as a lawayer and citizen, passed away at his home, 507 East Burlington street, last night at 8:50 oclock after an illness lasting two years.
He was conscious yesterday morning about 7 oclock when his sister, Miss Sara Simmons of Milwaukee arrived, and recongnized her. He soon lapsed into a peaceful unconsciousness, however, and remained so until the end.
The funeral will be held at the First Methodist church at 3 oclock tomorrow afternoon, the services being in charge of Dr. H. B. Scoles, the pastor, assisted by Dr. W. R. Keesey of Ottumwa, the district superintendent. Interment will be at Evergreen cemetery where the services at the grave will be private.
Mr. Simmons was a life long and devoted member of the Methodist church and one of his greatest contributions to its progress was when as a member of the committtee of three - he and L.T. Gobble and O.F. Fryer - he gave generously of his time to the building of the new First Methodist church. He long had been a trustee of the church, and was one of its prominent and most dependable members.
Mr. Simmons suffered an injury some years ago which is thought to havve caused his malady. He was operated on at Iowa City December 31, 1924, and since that time had been at his office only for a little while at a time, gradually relinquishing all his business activities to his sons. He has been confined to his home for months.
Mr. Simmons was born near Brookville, March 10, 1855, and had lived in this county all his life, except for a little while in 1861-63 when his parents lived back in their old home in Ohio.
>To Parsons College>
His youthful days were spent on the farm and in the country schools, but when Parsons college opened for its first session Mr. Simmons was on hand to regiter (sic), having walked with his brother Charles from the farm near Brookville to matriculate. Later he attended Iowa Wesleyan University, and then entered the law offices of Leggett & McKemey to "read law" after the fashion of the day. He was admitted to practice by the supreme court of the state December 9, 1885. In December, 1896, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, J. S. McKemey. This continued for four years. He then joined H. C. Raney in the practice of his profession, the connection existing until Mr. Raney's death in 1910 (sic. 1903 ??).
He was county attorney for four years, being firest elected in 1895, and for four years, beginning Januay 1, 1896, he was city solicitor.
For a time he was associated with the late W. G. Ross in the firm of Simmons & Ross and this was dissolved to make way for the firm of Simmons, Simmons & Simmons.
Mr. Simmons married Miss Geneva M. McCoid of Logan, Iowa, August 12, 1891. They had five children - Beverly, whose home now is in Chicago; James M. and William W., who in time became members of the firm with their father; E. L. (sic. Edward L.), who is living in albia and practicing his profession of law, and Margaret, who teaches in the High school (sic. in Fairfield, Iowa).
Mrs. Simmons and all five of the children and his sister Sara were at his bedside when he passed away.
He is survived by another sister, Miss Nancy L. Simmons of Denver, and a brother, Charles W. Simmons of Plateau City, Colo.
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Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 246
Eben F. SIMMONS, junior member of the law firm of McKemey & SIMMONS, of Fairfield, was born in Locust Grove Township, Jefferson County, March 10, 1855, and is a son of W. L. S. and Sarah (WEAVER) SIMMONS. His parents were from Clermont County, Ohio, but are numbered among the early settlers of Jefferson County. In 1842, his father visited this county, and after securing some land and a home, returned to his native State, and was married. Accompanied by his bride, he at once started for the West -- then the western wilds of Iowa, where he has since resided. A sketch of this worthy gentleman appears on another page of this work.
Our subject was provided with liberal educational advantages in his youth, and on the completion of a course in the Iowa Wesleyan University of Mt. Pleasant, came to Fairfield in September, 1883. The legal profession seemed an attractive one to him, and desiring to pursue it as a means of livelihood, he entred upon the study of law in the office of Leggett & McKemey. After a thorough course of reading he was admitted to practice in the State courts, and in the Supreme Court of the State in December, 1885. After spending a year as a clerk with his preceptors, he formed the existing partnership with J. S. McKemey, who had severed his connection with Mr. Leggett on the election of the latter to the District Judgeship. The firm of McKemey & SIMMONS has acquired a very fair practice, which is steadily increasing. Mr. SIMMONS is a Republican in politics.
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From the History of Jefferson County - 1912, Volume II, Pages 89-91.
E. F. SIMMONS
E. F. Simmons is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of every community and one which has long been considered as conserving the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He entered upon the practice of law in Fairfield in 1885 and in the intervening period, covering more than a quarter of a century, has built up a reputation such as is gained only by individual merit and ability attested in the actual work of the courts.
Mr. Simmons is one of Jefferson county's native sons, his birth having occurred near Brookville, March 10, 1855. His parents were W. L. S. and Sarah (Weaver) Simmons, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio, the former born January 10, 1822, and the latter January 31, 1825. On the 1st of May, 1842, Mr. Simmons arrived in Jefferson county, Iowa, long prior to the admission of the state into the Union, entering land in Locust Grove township, after which he returned to his native state and in Clermont county married Sarah Weaver. The return journey to Ohio was made on horseback and the winter was passed in Illinois. He had to work untiringly and diligently in order to get enough capital with which to establish his home and make a start in life. The marriage of the parents was celebrated in 1849, after which they journeyed westward to Iowa. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made on the place when it came into possession of Mr. Simmons but with untiring energy he undertook the task of breaking the sod and converting the wild lands into fields. He resided upon the farm near Brookville until 1861, when he again went to Clermont county, Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1863. Once more he came to Jefferson county and was thereafter actively engaged in farming until 1896, when, with a comfortable competence acquired through years of earnest and persistent toil, he retired from business life to take up his abode in Fairfield, where his death occurred July 5, 1901. He had been more or less prominent in the public life of the community and in 1875 had been elected to represent his district in the state legislature as the candidate of the republican party. He held membership in the Methodist church and his influence was ever on the side of right, progress, reform and improvement. Not only did he witness a remarkable transformation in the county from the period of his first arrival until his death but was also an active participant in the labors and changes that brought the county up to a leading position among the foremost counties of this great commonwealth. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: E. F., C. W., living in Plateau City, Colorado; Sarah B., a resident of Utah; Nancy W., of Chicago, and three that died in infancy.
E. F. Simmons has spent his entire life in Jefferson county with the exception of the brief period from 1861 until 1863, when the family were living in Ohio. His youthful days were spent upon the home farm and here he became familiar with the task of cultivating the fields and caring for the crops. After his public school education supplemented by study in Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, he took up the study of law in the office and under the direction of Leggett & McKemey, attorneys of Fairfield, who directed his reading until he was admitted to practice on the 9th of December, 1885, by the supreme court of the State of Iowa. In December, 1896, he formed a partnership with his preceptor, J. S. McKemey, which continued four years, after which he contracted a partnership with H. C. Raney that continued until Mr. Raney's death in 1910 (sic. 1903 ??). He is well versed in the principles of law and is seldom if ever at fault in the application of a legal principle or in the citation of a precedent. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and skills and marshals the evidence with the precision of a military commander, never losing sight of any point that bears upon the case and at the same time always keeping to the fore the important point upon which every question finally turns. He has filled the office of county attorney for four years, having been first elected in 1895. On the 1st of January, 1896, he became city solicitor and filled that office four years, at the end of which time his record received public indorsement in his reelection in the spring of 1911.
On the 12th of August, 1891, Mr. Simmons was married to Miss Geneva M. McCoid, of Logan, Iowa, a daughter of James McCoid, and they now have five children, Beverly F., James M. and William W., twins, Edgar L. and Margaret. Mr. Simmons is giving his children good educational privileges and is a warm friend of the public schools. He has served for three terms, or nine years, as a member of the school board and has done much to advance the standard of education in Fairfield. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has been well spend and his record is as an open book which all may read. The comrades of his youth remain the friends of his manhood and the circle of his friendship continually broadens as the circle of his acquaintance is extended.
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Note: a child "Beverly" was a son, not a daughter. That sort of name for a male wasn't uncommon at that time, but in modern times it is easily misinterpreted as being that of a female.
Inscription
The DOB year was originally misengraved; that lettering was overwritten for the DOB year to be 1855.
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