My Genealogy Hound

W. P. Simmons was born on the 5th of December, 1837, in Weakley County, Tenn., son of John Simmons, who was born in Middle Tennessee, about 1814. He lived there until nearly grown, then came to West Tennessee. He married Polly Crockett, who was born in 1815, and by her became the father of fifteen children. She died in 1857. John Simmons was twice married, and became the father of twenty-four children. At the age of nineteen W. P. Simmons left the paternal roof, and began depending on his own resources for a livelihood. He joined the Federal Army in the summer of 1862, serving in the Sixth Tennessee Cavalry, Company L. He was captured, in December, 1862, by Gen. Forrest, and was exchanged in 1863. After his return home, in 1865, he resumed farming, and has very successfully continued up to the present time, being worth about $5,000. October 11, 1857, he wedded Martha Nolen, who was born in 1839, and became the mother of nine children, two of whom are dead. Those living are Mary E. (Mrs. Dallas Johnson), Martha Jane, Robert S., Carlie W., C. H., William B. and Sarah Ella (Mrs. John Jackson).