Harvey Simmons

HARVEY SIMMONS. This gentleman is one of the well known farmers who live in Howard township, Labette county, Kansas. Mr. Simmons was born in Carroll county, Ohio, December 19, 1847, and is a son of a Methodist clergyman, whose name was Daniel Simmons.

Daniel Simmons was born in Ohio, in 1818, and his death occurred in 1900. Besides attending to his ministerial duties, he was also a farmer. He married Levina Allbaugh, who was born in Ohio, in 1821, and they reared the following children: O. W., S. B., Harvey, Sabina, Alice, Amanda, Elma, and Phoebe A.

Harvey Simmons received his primary education in his native county, and when he was eight years old his parents removed to Martin county, Indiana, and settled near the White River. This was Mr. Simmons' home until 1872, when he began to work for himself. He farmed for a while, and on May 22, 1876, set out for the west. He went, by wagon, from Indiana to Labette county, Kansas, and was four weeks in making the trip. He located on his present farm in Howard township, in section 25, township 34, range 17, in September of that year, and entered his claim at Independence, Kansas. There was a 10-by-12-foot cabin on the place, but no land had been broken. Mr. Simmons set to work and soon had much of the land in a state of cultivation. He has, made extensive improvements and his farm, is one of the best in the township. In 1899, he erected a five-room frame house. He carries on general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Simmons was united in marriage with Rebecca Sibert, who was born in Ohio, in 1849. This union has resulted in the birth of nine children, whose names are as follows: Levina, Charles, Daniel, and John A., all deceased; Hattie, of Coffeyville; Ivy M., deceased; Katie; Ida, who is at home, and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Simmons is independent in politics, and has held numerous township offices. He belongs to the Farmers' Alliance, and to the Anti-Horsethief Association. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist church. He is a man of honor and principle, and his friends are many.