A Word from your Host

Ok, well we are covering a lot of ground and I thought it would be a good time

for us to take a little break to put things into perspective. Let me begin by raising this question.

What is the purpose of the Simmons Family & Friends blog?

I suppose anybody reading this information can come up with their own good reasons for the blog.

From my perspective as I compile this information I find that I am able to see my family from a different point of view than I did while growing up. Perhaps I am gaining a better understanding of how the lives of my various family members were forged due to their circumstances as they were growing up. As you read about our family you will see that things were not always easy, but we were resistant and we pulled thru.

By writing this blog my hope is that I can have a better understanding of who I am and what I am becoming by understanding the influences of my family history. Also, my hope is that those of us who read this will have a better understanding of one another as we share these stories and raise questions about our history together. Afterall, our family history is the same common thread that each of us share together. And finally, my hope is that each of you will share and preserve these events and stories with the young kids of the family. ...now, let's get back to the action!

I believe the above photograph of me sitting on Santa's lap was taken in December 1955 at the time my family lived in Clayton, Missouri at 7525 Byron Place. I'd be willing to bet that the photo was taken at Scruggs, Vandervort, & Barney which was a department store where my sister JoAnn worked. As you can tell, I was enthralled by meeting Santa Claus. For me it didn't get any better. Certainly, my Mom dressed me up for this occaision.

However, about this time I did return to see Santa on another evening and this time I set out on foot from our apartment on my own. The trip from our home to the department store was about a mile and sure enough when I got to the store Santa was sitting there in his chair. Santa wasn't too busy as I recall because this was later in the evening on a weeknight. I got a good long visit with Santa as I stayed with him until the store closed that evening. He and I had completely discussed everything.

Now I really had to hustle home as my Mom did not know where I had run off to. I started running as I left the store, but I did not run for long as I was hit by a car making a left hand turn from Hanley Rd. onto Carondelet Blvd. near the old Forrest Cadillac dealership. By the time the man driving of the car saw me it was too late. His bumper and my left leg had already made contact. Needless to say, I was laying on the ground on the side of road. The driver got out of his car to ask me if I was OK and I told him I was. As I lifted my self from the pavement the driver asked me if I needed a ride home and I accepted. Afterall, I was in a hurry and so he dropped me off down the street from where I lived. From there I ran home the rest of the way as it was pretty late on this winter evening..

This event was a good learning experience for me as I came to realize the importance of street smarts. My brother, Jack was really good at running the streets and I looked up to him. Before long I would become his understudy. However, going to visit Santa was my first solo trip away from the crib and I made it back home in one piece so I consider it a successful excursion. By the way... I never told my Mom about this until about 10 years ago. My Mom could be pretty stern about these things and I'm sure she would have told my Dad too.

Amel & Virginia's Marriage License...Oct. 29, 1939

Elliot's WW1 Draft card...in Russell, Montana

Click on picture to enlarge...
Elliot left Missouri to find work on a farm in Montana after Becca passed away in 1916. He had two baby boys to support. There was Clark at age 2 and Amel at age one. Elliot is listed as a single man at this time and he was one month shy of 31 years of age. Chouteau county, Montana is written on the page on the right. Choteau is 32 miles northwest of Great Falls and is 70 miles south of the Alberta, Canada border.

My Great Aunt Mary Simmons...A Story

Taken from the "Jadwin Community History, written by Lois Smith 1975, pg 58

Mary Simmons relates some of the history of her family, who were early settlers in the Jadwin Community.
She says: "My great-grandfather, Enoch Simmons and my grandfather, Wiley Blunt Simmons, moved here from Tennessee. They were of Scotch-Irish, English descent. Great-grandfather Enoch was the first Baptist minister in Salem. He preached in a little log house some where near where the Depot later sat.
My grandfather and his father owned what we call the Ing Geotherol farm on Dry Valley. Two of their log rooms, the weather-boarded over, were still there, not long ago. My father, John Simmons, was born there in 1851. Later, in 1879, they sold that farm and moved to Jadwin, buying what we know as the Gus Bright Farm. My father had what was probably the first store at Jadwin. It stood just across the West Plains Road from where the old Bright house is. They lived just down the road near where the store was later moved. My dad had the store before he married my mother, Belle Cage, in 1881. She was born in 1857. Later, they sold out to Cap Mackey and dad had a store at Cedar Grove. They owned at that time, what we know as the Bill Jadwin place and quite a bit more acreage. But after selling that, they moved to Summersville and operated a store there. In a few years they moved back to Jadwin, buying our old home place and some more land nearby. They ran a store on the farm for 5 or 6 year, then in 1911, Dad moved the store to Turtle.
I went to school for two and one half years in the old log school at Jadwin. The seats were long, hard benches. I remember sitting with Ethel (Jones) Bass. Once, she tied a big red handkerchief around my head, and John Crow, the teacher made me sit on the front seat for punishment. He knew why we did it, Uncle John Pipkins and his wife, lived right in the corner, near the cemetery and his wife always wore a huge red hankerchief tied around her heard. (Fate Asbridges later lived in that same house).
Later, Bessie (Lough) McDonald and I were always seat-mates. The day that the new frame schoolhouse was opened, she and I ran the whole quater mile just as hard as we could, to be the first there, and get our choice of seats. Right in front, of course."

Philenia Belle Cage Simmons at 99 Years Young

Born: January 29, 1857 in Dent county, Missouri

Died: January 7, 1957 in St. Louis, Misouri

Belle's father was Wilson Cage 1820-1876

Belle's mother was Martha Ann Shuck 1831-1880

Both Wilson Cage and Martha Ann Cage were from Tennesse. Census records from August 21, 1850 indicate Wilson and his first wife living on a farm in Obion county, Tennesse. however, he was born in Smith Tennesse.

My Dad's name is Amel Wilson Simmons. His middle name was the same as his grandfather's first name.

Belle's real mother died when Belle was 12years old. Oddly enough her real mom's name was also Martha Ann...(Martha Ann Nash.) ...from Tennesse also.

Belle Simmons...Aunt Mary's & Grandpa Elliot's Mother

Philenia Belle Cage Simmons...my Great Grandmother

Mrs. Belle Simmons died 22 days before her 100th birthday. Belle died at the home of her daughter, Mary Simmons with whom she had lived for the previous 22 years.

John F. & Philenia Simmons...my Great Grandparents

Scroll down to lines 8-16 to locate 236, 238 Simmons, John. Below his name you will find Philenia, his wife. There were 7 children in this family...4 boys & 3 girls. The children were born in this order; John A., Anvil C., Elliot M., Laura E., Carrie, Mary E.E., & Wily. Elliot Monroe is my Grandfather and father of my dad, Amel. Mary E.E. is my Aunt Mary Simmons. The other children are my aunts & uncles that I never knew. All members of this family were born in Missouri, however both of John F. & Philenia's parents were born in Tennesse.
This document is a United States census taken Franklin Township of Dent County on June 21, 1900. It indicates that the family lived on a farm that they owned and not rented. It also indicates that there was a mortgage on the farm. Five of the children attended school and four of the kids could speak english, read & write. My Grandfather Elliot was born in July, 1886 and was just shy of his 14th birthday at this time. My Aunt Mary was just 4 years of age as she was born in August of 1895. The head of the family is listed as a farmer.
My Great Grandfather, John Fielding Simmons was born in January of 1851 & my Great Grandmother, Philenia Simmons was born in January, 1857. Her maiden name is Philenia Belle Cage. John and Philenia were married in 1882.

1850...Tennesse to Missouri...My Great, Great Grandparents

Jesse A. McCarter had married Margaret Ann (Peggy) Dunn and together these pioneers moved from Tennesse to Reynolds county, Missouri in 1850. In 1854 they moved to Dent county, Missouri and homesteaded on a 500 acre tract of land which is still in the family today. They had 8 children...3 boys & 5 girls. Jesse passed away in the fall of 1874 and Margaret died in 1887.

Jesse and Margaret Ann were the parents of John A. McCarter who was Becca's father.

Reynolds county is about 40 miles east of Dent county.

Missouri gained statehood in 1821. Millard Fillmore was the 13th US president from 1850-1853. Westward expansion was now underway!

Becca's Mother...Tennesse Cottrell McCarter

My Great Grandmother, Tennessee McCarter was born in Dent county on October 22, 1857 and was the daughter of William T. Cottrell of Blount county, Tennessee and Sarah M. (Rich) of Dent county, Missouri. Tennesse was 73 at the time of her death on September 5, 1931. However, by that time she had given birth to 15 children. Tennesse and Rev. Jonn A. McCarter had 7 boys and 8 girls. Four of the children died young...(Moses), the twin boys (Dolph & Ralph), and daughter (Lucinda).
Her other children include: Benjamin Franklin, Jesse W., Isaac Washington, John E., Sinai Isabelle, Nora, Rebecca (Mrs. Elliot M. Simmons), Addie M., Bertha E., Anna, & Maud.

Rev. John A. & Tennesse J. McCarter..My Great Grandparents

Reverend John A. McCarter was born on December 28, 1850. His birthday is 100 years minus 19 days before my birthday. His birthplace is given as Tennesse. John, a farmer was 76 years old when he died on June 1, 1927 at 8:45 and two days later he was buried in the McCarter Graveyard. He lived in the area for 73 years meaning that he moved to the Dent county area in 1853. The reason given for his death is aortic insufficiency (heart problems) and hardening of the arteries. It is stated that John has this condition for a duration of 3 years.
John McCarters death was in Lynn township of Dent county. The informant listed is Isaac McCarter, his son of Turtle, Missouri. Turtle is another township of Dent county not far from Salem.
John's father was Jesse McCarter who was born Tennesse. John's mother was Martha Ann (Peggy) Dunn, also born in Tennesse.
John A. McCarter & Tennesse (Cotrell) were married on January 1, 1873 in Dent county, Missouri.

John McCarter was Amel's Grandfather

John McCarter is listed as Becca's father on her death certificate. Tennesse Eusty is the maiden name of Becca's mother. The township of Franklin is part of Dent county and is NW of the Simmons' family farm in Gladden Valley township by a few miles.

John McCarter owned quite a bit of land in the Franklin township as evidenced on the map. As you take a look at sections 25 & 26 you will see John McCarter's name on parcels of 80, 120, 40, & 20 acres. Becca would have been born and raised on this land. Her birthday is given as January, 1894.

The Simmons' Family Farm...160 Acres

Located in the township of Gladden Valley in the SW portion of section 14 is the 160 acre Simmons' farm where Clark, Amel, Margaret, and Lee were born. The farm is located in Dent county about 12 miles ssw of Salem and is just south of Jadwin. The road that cuts thru the farm leads to an area a bit further south that is called Cedar Grove. This is the Cedar Grove Route.

In an earlier blog posting I wrote about a postcard that my Dad sent to my brother, Jack in August of 1951. Jack was staying on the Simmons' farm with Elliot & Mabel while my Mom & Dad were in S. California. My dad addressed the postcard to to Mr. Jack Simmons...% E. M. Simmons...Cedar Grove Route.

Elliot Monroe Simmons was born on July 4, 1886 and was 72 years old when he died on the farm on April 8, 1958. I attended his funeral near the farm that spring and I was just 7 years old when he was buried. It was the first time that I remember tears falling along the cheeks of my Dad, Amel's face. Dad pulled out his hankerchief to dry his eyes. My Dad was my best freind and I felt for him.

We also had cousins by the name of Cope in this area. Notice in the NW portion of section 13 is a 30 acre farm belonging to Jerry Cope. These more than likely were our relatives.

Becca's Death...May 20, 1916...A Mystery Revealed

I remember hearing that my Dad's Mom, Becca passed away sometime shortly after he was born. Again, Amel Wilson Simmons was born on St. Patricks Day, March 17, 1916. According to the death certificate Becca passed away at the tender age of 22 just two months after Amel was born. She died at 6:20 p.m. on the evening of May 20, 1916. Reasons for her death are given as a blood infection due to a pelvic abscess.
Becca was born in Missouri in January of 1894 to Reverend John McCarter & his wife, Tennesse. The informant who signed the death certificate looks to be Laura Simmons of Jadwin, Missouri. This where Grandpa Elliot Simmons' farm was located.
This death certificate gives no indication as to where Becca was buried. Upon further research I have learned that her maiden name was Rebecca McCarter and she was buried in the McCarter family cemetary located in the Turtle township in Dent county, Missouri.

Young Ginny Froehly...circa 1921...My Mom

Mary Virginia Froehly was born on April 9, 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri. This particular spring brought about the first child to a young couple, Joseph and Della Froehly. This was a time when Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States and this was the year that Missouri became the 11th state to ratify the 19th amendmant, which granted women the right to vote.
Joseph & Della first lived on 21st Street. Joseph may have been a wallpaper and painter at this time. Della worked at Brown Shoe Company before she was married and just prior to giving birth to Gin. It was probably at the time that Gin was having this picture taken with her dog that her two twin brothers were about to be born.
Michael Ryan(Chubby) arrived first and Joseph (Junior) appeared shortly afterwards on November 10, 1921.. However, by the time the boys came around the Froehly family was living at their new residence on Lotus Avenue. Katherine (Dolly) came along on October 9, 1924. Dolly was named after Della's mother Catherine Geraghty. Notice that Chubby's middle name was Ryan. Catherine Geraghty's maiden name was Catherine Ryan.

Elliot Travels to Helena, Montana to find work.

Elliot left Missouri in search of work. Times had gotten hard and so he headed out to Montana near Helena to find work on a farm. My Dad related this story to me around the times that I would travel thru Montana on my crosscountry motorcycle journeys. Dad was proud to tell me about his father working in this part of the country.

I am not sure of the years that Elliot worked in Montana, however keep in mind that my Dad was born in 1916 and the Depression began in 1929. Times were tough.

It was during this time that Mabel came into Elliot's life and their relationship developed into marraige. Elliot brought Mabel back to the farm in Missouri. Clark and Amel now had their father again as well as a new mother. Elliot and Mabel had two more children. The boy became my Uncle Lee and the girl became my Aunt Margaret.

Becca & Elliot...Amel's Parents

Becca & Elliot lived on the farm and were the parents of a young boy by the name of Clark. A few years after Clark arrived, Becca became pregnant again and gave birth to Amel. It was shortly after Dad was born in 1916 that Becca passed away. It's not clear just how she died or when she died. For Elliot tho, he suddenly became the single father of two young boys. Fortunately, Belle and Aunt Mary were nearby to help out with the raising of the two brothers.

The photo is an internet image taken of the general area of where the farm is located. There are many rivers nearby that are well known for canoeing and fishing.

The Cedar Grove mail route

The Simmons' farm totaled 360 acres and it apparently was in the Simmons name for quite a while. My Great Aunt Belle recalled Civil War soldiers from both the North and the South traveling thru the area and she told of soldiers taking chickens and livestock for their meals. Belle was a young girl at the time of the war, but remember she lived to be 99 years old. Belle passed away in about 1957-8. She was the mother of my Aunt Mary Simmons. I believe Belle was a generation older than my grandfather Elliot.

The mailing address on the postcard from my Dad to Jack was the "Cedar Grove Route." My Dad would tell me that the farm location was south of Salem and between Jadwin and Eminence. Cedar Grove is in northern Shannon county near the Current River.

I found this map from 1895 on the internet and thought it appropriate for this post because it could be very close to the time that Elliot was born. Also, there is a good chance that Belle may have still been living on the farm then.

A Message from Dad to Jack...Aug. 19, 1954

Here it is...Read for yourselves. Click on the postcard to enlarge it.

Notice that the stamp was 1 cent. Also, Cedar Grove Route was the mailing route that my Grandfather's farm was located. The card was sent to Mr. Jack Simmons in care of E.M. Simmons. Elliot Monroe Simmons was my Grandfather's name.

I just got off the phone with my sister, Mary who is currently battling a cancerous brain tumor and she remembered Grandpa's first name as Elliot. A big Thank you to Mary! She has always had a terrific memory and has struggled in the past 4 1/2 months with her communication and her memory. As I write this posting, Mary is able to speak and recall much better than she has for a while. Mary said that she, Jim, Mom, Dad, and even Nema (my Mom's mother) may have driven out to California on this trip!

Postcard from Dad to Jack...Aug. 19, 1954

This is a postcard that my Dad (38), Amel sent to my brother Jack on August 19, 1951. The postcard has a picture of Suntan Beach and a pier in San Clemente, California. According to a conversation that I had this morning with my brother, I learned that my parents traveled from St. Louis by car to visit my sister, Mary (20) who was married at that time to a soldier by the name of Jim Masconi (sp) who was stationed in Oceanside, California. I believe that Jim was a Marine and was stationed at Camp Pendelton. Jack told me that Mary & Jim had lived just a few blocks from the beach. I believe that my parents made this trip by themselves and Jack, JoAnn, and myself went to stay on our Grandpa Simmons' farm in Salem, Missouri. The farm is where my Dad was raised.

Jack also mentioned that in about 1954-5, our family returned to this area again by car. That was a long haul by car back then as my parents drove JoAnn (13), Jack(12), and myself (3) on the famous Route 66. This trip was probably made because my niece, Karen was born in March of 1954 to Mary & Jim.

Jack said he would curl up and sleep on the floorboard of the front passenger side. My brother also spoke of my Mom (35), Virginia driving thru winding turns thru the mountains. Myself, I would have been 3-4 years old and I remember the canvas water bags that cars had that were hung near the radiator in front. This extra water could be used for getting a drink or to add as coolant if the car overheated.