My Genealogy Hound

JAMES H. SIMKINS, farmer, Sec. 28; P. O. Heyworth; one of the old settlers of McLean Co.; was born in Salem Co., N. J., Sept. 17, 1820; his father, Francis Simkins, was born in Salem Co., N. J., Sept. 14, 1792. He married Mary Harris Oct. 6, 1815; she was born in the same county July, 1798; she died April 12, 1868, in Highland Co., Ohio. Mr. Francis Simkins also died in Highland Co., Ohio, Aug. 15, 1843, killed by being thrown from a bridge while returning from church; they now lie buried in the beautiful cemetery at Newmarket, Ohio; their graves are marked by tombstones of Italian marble, placed there by their loving children; they were the parents of eight children, of whom three are deceased; the living are Hannah, born March 27, 1818; James H., Sept. 17, 1820; Jeremiah T., Jan. 22, 1823; Isaac H., April 22, 1828; Richard, in 1831; the deceased are Elizabeth, born Oct. 16, 1816, died in infancy; Jane, born Dec. 28, 1825, died in 1846; Mary Ann, born July 14, 1843, died March 15, 1873. The subject of this sketch remained with his parents upon the farm until 23 years of age, during which time he learned the brick-mason’s trade. He was united in marriage with Nancy Roads March 22, 1843; she was born in Highland Co., Ohio, Jan. 13, 1823; she was a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Thomas) Roads, who were born in Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio at an early day, where they lived until their decease. Upon the marriage of the subject of this sketch, he engaged in farming for three years, after which he located in Hillsboro, Ohio, where he followed his trade until he emigrated and located in Bloomington, McLean Co., Nov. 9, 1856; he then followed his trade at Bloomington six years, and, in 1862, purchased 100 acres of land upon Sec. 31, Downs Township, upon which he lived until 1866. In the spring of 1867, he purchased his present place of eighty acres, where he has since lived, and is engaged in farming. The children of James and Nancy (Roads) Simkins were three in number, of whom two died in infancy; the living — Isaac, born March 19, 1846, now living at home.