SILAS J SIMMONS, farmer, P.O. Divide, was born in Sumner (now Macon) County, TN., May 28, 1835, and is a son of Joel SIMMONS, of Marion Co, IL who was born in Franklin Co.,VA., Jan 17, 1804, and came to Marion Co in 1840, and to this county in 1844, where our subject has since resided.

Silas J was married, Nov 1, 1855, to Prudence E., daughter of Ellis BRANSON, of Marion County, IL.

They have twelve children, but three of whom are living---

1. Mary J. (Mrs. John BARNETT)
2. William F. (see biography) and
3. Carroll J.

The latter is a promising young school teacher, with a bright future prospect.

One daughter--Martha A.--died in her sixteenth year.

Mr. SIMMONS was postmaster at Divide Post Office from Dec 1879, until March 1883.

He owns eighty acres of land.

In religion he is a Baptist.

Source: Taken from "History of Jefferson County, Illinois" by Wm. Henry Perrin
Submitted by Misty Flannigan
Sept 7, 1997