My Genealogy Hound

James G. Sims, an enterprising and popular farmer, of Sharp County, was born in Greene County, Mo., in 1841. He is a son of Hon. Leonard H. and Louisa (Beatty) Sims, of whom an extended sketch is given in the biography of T. C. Sims. When, in his seventh year, Mr. Sims removed with his parents to Tennessee, where they resided until the year 1859, and then came to Independence County. He was reared on a farm, and received a good common school education in his youth, and in early youth displayed the disposition and character of a man whose future life would be successful. He was imbued with the same traits of energy and force which characterized his illustrious father, and though not following directly in the footsteps of the elder Sims, he has made a path for himself that may serve as an example for many others. In 1861, he joined Company K, of the First Arkansas Infantry, and served one year through Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and the Indian Nation, taking part in the battles at Wilson’s Creek, Pea Ridge and others. The same company soon after re-organized, with Mr. Sims a member of it, and took a leading part in the memorable battle of Shiloh. His next campaign extended through Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky, and he took part in the battle at Richmond; on Kirby Smith’s raid through Kentucky; afterwards at the battles of Chickamauga and Atlanta, and then returned with Hood to Tennessee, where he fought in the battles at Franklin and Nashville. Shortly after this campaign, he returned home and resumed his farm work, and, in 1867, was married to Miranda, daughter of Perry and Margaret West, of Arkansas. Mrs. West died when her daughter was a child, and the father died in 1874, in Sharp County. Mrs. Sims was born in Texas, and with her marriage to Mr. Sims, has had nine sons and one daughter. In 1868 they settled on their present farm, about four miles northeast of Evening Shade, where Mr. Sims owns 700 acres of land, and has about 200 acres under cultivation. He is one of the leading farmers and citizens of Sharp County, and is held in high esteem by the entire community. In politics he is a Democrat, and was a member of the board of equalization of Sharp County. He was also a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and in 1888 was vice-president of the Sharp County Wheel. He also belongs to Evening Shade Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M., and has been a member since 1874.