My Genealogy Hound

ALEXANDER SIMMONS is a son of Walter and Roxana (Lyons) Simmons, and was born in Jamestown, New York, April 16, 1818. His grandfather, William Simmons, a descendant from an old New England family, was a native of Rhode Island, and came to Chautauqua county while yet full of the ambition and energy of youth. He lived the remainder of his life in the county and now rests in the burial ground at Fluvanna. He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which he continued to follow through life. His wife was a Miss Swain, who bore him six children — three boys and three girls. When by reason of tyrannous oppression and most unjust treatment at the hands of British rulers the Colonies were forced to a declaration of war and revolt against the mother country, no one was more ready to take up arms for their vindication than William Simmons. He served throughout the entire war with a valor and zeal, upon which any descendant might look back with pride. Grandfather Alexander Lyons was of an old New England stock also, emigrating to Chenango county, New York, in the last decade of the eighteenth century, where he pursued farming and milling. He chose for his life companion Olive Bergy and reared a family of fourteen children. Father of subject was born in New England, but early removed with his family to Chautauqua county, New York, near Jamestown, where he ran a carding-machine — the first work of the kind done in Jamestown. Two years later he went to Broken Straw, where he engaged in the same business. Later he retired from the carding business, removed to Jamestown and began distilling, which he followed for many years. Walter Simmons was joined in marriage to Roxana Lyons and was the father of twelve children, eight boys and four girls. He belonged to the Democratic party.

Alexander Simmons was educated in the district schools, worked on his father’s farm until he reached his majority, then commenced life for himself as a farmer. He has lived on his present farm of one hundred and forty acres for the past eighteen years and has always lived in the county of Chautauqua. Mr. Simmons is a man, who through industry, frugality and careful, economical business habits, has become possessed of a peasant home and a comfortable competency. He is a man held in respect and esteem by his neighbors, because of his sterling qualities and straightforward conduct in his various relations. The Republican party claims him as an earnest, hearty supporter of its principles and a steadfast devotee of its cause.

Alexander Simmons was married to Laura Ann Clark, daughter of Arvin Clark, who was a native of Ontario county, New York, but removed to the town of Ellery, Chautauqua county, in 1824. (Mr. Clark is a farmer by occupation, a republican in politics and had four children, three boys and one girl). Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have but one child, a daughter Jane, married to Aaron Haskins, who lives with the subject on the old homestead, and is the happy parent of three children: Hattie, Allie and Bell.