Wiley B. Simmons of Texas County, Missouri

Wiley B. Simmons, merchant at Summerville, Mo., was born in Claiborne County, Tenn., November 13, 1830, being a son of Enoch C. and Sarah (Lewis) Simmons, who were also natives of that State, and were married in Claiborne County. The father was reared on a farm, received a good education, and became a minister of the Baptist Church, preaching for about thirty-five years. At an early day he immigrated to Missouri, settling in Greene County, where he remained several years, afterward going to Arkansas, and from there to Dent County, Mo., dying in the latter place in 1860. His wife’s death occurred in 1876, at the age of seventy-six years. Five of their ten children are now living: William D., Wiley B., Pulaski, Charles and Lettie. Wiley B. Simmons was reared on farms in Greene and Dent Counties, receiving a common-school education. He remained with his parents until he attained his majority, and in 1850 married Miss Minerva Nash, a native of Tennessee, by whom he has six children: John F., Julia Mary J., Sarah M., Charles L., Lucinda and Phoebe. After Mrs. Simmons’ death, which occurred in 1881, Mr. Simmons married Mrs. Carrie Cox, a daughter of Christopher and Electa McNich. They were born, reared and married in Livingston County, N. Y., Mrs. Simmons being born in the same county. After her marriage to Mr. Cox they immigrated to Oregon County, Mo., in 1866, but were residing in Licking, Texas County, at the time of Mr. Cox’s death. The following are their three children: James S., Esther E. and J. Leslie. Her union to Mr. Simmons was consummated May 1, 1884, and she has for a number of years been an earnest worker in and member of the Christian Church. August 9, 1862, Mr. Simmons enlisted in Company D, Thirty-second Missouri Infantry, enlisting at the end of four month in the Eleventh Missouri Cavalry, Company A, and after serving twenty months was discharged at Little Rock, Ark. Until 1886 he was engaged in farming, but at that date embarked in the mercantile business at Summerville, which as proven very profitable, the firm being now known as Simmons & Son. He is a member of the G. A. R.