| J. P. Simmons is a native of Southampton County, Va., born March 22, 1823, son of Robert G. and Elizabeth (Vick) Simmons, who were Virginians. Robert Simmons came to Madison County, Tenn., in 1835 and there died in 1841. The mother died about 1856. J. P. Simmons’s boyhood days were spent on a farm. At the age of eighteen he began learning the blacksmith’s trade, and in 1843 began working for himself, and in connection with farming has worked at his trade up to the present time. In 1858 he was elected magistrate of Haywood County, serving one term. In November, 1848, he married Martha E. Locke, of Madison County, and to them were born the following family: Elizabeth Tennessee (widow of J. A. Dixon), Robert W., Ida (Mrs. C. W. Anderson) and John D. Mr. Simmons is one of the self-made men of the county and by economy and industry has accumulated considerable property. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and a Mason, Lodge No. 306, and was Master of the same about twelve years in succession. He is a Democrat and prohibitionist. His wife died in March, 1886, and in June of the same year he married Mary Bevel, of Madison County. |
