My Genealogy Hound

Reuben H. Simmons, one of the earliest settlers of Lonoke County, is a native of Georgia, and was born in Floyd County, November 22, 1840. He is the son of Reuben and Elizabeth (Albright) Simmons, originally from Virginia and Georgia, respectively. The former went to Georgia when quite a young man, and there met and won his bride, remaining in that State for some time, successfully engaged in farming in Madison and Floyd Counties. During his residence in the locality he made numerous friends, by his upright, generous and noble characteristics. He also lived in Walker and Catoosa Counties up to 1857. In the winter of that year he moved to Arkansas, and settled on the land where his son now resides. He was claimed by the grim destroyer, Death, in March, 1858, but his excellent wife survived him until 1867. Reuben H. received his education in the schools of his native State, and though the facilities for acquiring knowledge were very meager at the time, he made the most of his opportunities, and is now a well-informed man. When quite young he accompanied his father to Arkansas, and purchased the land for a farm, and the improvements that have taken place under his arrangement have changed the place beyond recall. He has about 175 acres in an excellent state of cultivation, and these, with the good buildings, fine orchards, etc., contribute to place his farm on a level with the best in the country. In addition to this farm Mr. Simmons has 425 acres of the very best timber land, from which he will be able to realize a comfortable fortune. When the decree came that there should be war, he laid down the implements of peace to take up those of the battlefield, and enlisted in the Thirtieth Arkansas Infantry (Confederate army), serving until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Moore’s Mill, Nashville and Franklin, and in the fights of the siege and surrender of Atlanta, Ga., being wounded by a gunshot at Moore’s Mill. This disabled him for a short time, but his spirit and valor would not permit him to stay quietly by and not take a part in the battles. After his wound was partially healed, and before he should have gone out he was on the field, and was slightly wounded five times. In May, 1865, he was paroled, and soon after returned to his home. The year 1872 witnessed his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Jones, a native of Georgia. Three children were born of this union: Mary R., William Thomas and Virginia F. Mr. Simmons is in every way worthy the respect and esteem shown him by the entire community. He is a noble, upright and generous man, and to all things of a noble character his support is warmly given.