My Genealogy Hound

SIMONTON, JACOB, billiard hall keeper, P. O. Clarinda; born July 19, 1810, in Preble county, Ohio. When thirteen years of age was apprenticed to a carpenter, learning the trade and following it for nine years. He then learned the gunsmith’s trade, working at it for nearly ten years. In 1835 he went to Wabash county, Indiana, working at the gunsmith trade for some years. He next engaged in the mercantile business at Liberty Mills, continuing the business for twelve years. In the spring of 1856 he came to Iowa, locating at Clarinda, and engaging in farming. In 1857 he became deputy sheriff of the county, and in the following year was elected county judge and ex-officio judge of probate. This office he held for two years, or until the repeal of the law creating it. In 1861 he received the appointment of drainage commissioner for the county, and was elected justice of the peace, holding the latter office without intermission for six years. From 1865 to 1873 he engaged in various branches of business, clothing, drug, and farming. He bought his present business in that year. He is a man acquainted with many of the ups and downs of life, and has experienced all that the name “pioneer” can convey to the mind of the people of today. One of the oldest settlers of the county, and has always taken a lively interest in its public affairs. He married Miss Leah Calhoon, October 29, 1829, who died in 1851, leaving a family of nine children: Martha (wife of Jacob Butler), Robert, Susannah (wife of C. T. Haskins), Jane (wife of S. P. Ward), Allen C., Olive (wife of H. M. Moore), and Alice (wife of H. D. Townsend), and two deceased. He was married again in 1851 to Miss Margaret Brown, a native of Maryland. By this union they have thirteen children: Richard, Annie, Phoebe C. (wife of R. E. Callicott), Henry, Sarah, Ellenore, John F., Charlie S., Eva R. and Maggie L., living, and three deceased. Judge Simonton organized the lodge of A. F. & A. M., and was the master for the first eight years: Was also a charter member of the lodge of 1. O. O. F.