SIMMERMAN-James - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

James SIMMERMAN, ex-county Sheriff. Wherever there are human beings there will be among them a certain proportion who are evilly disposed and in large communities it has always been found necessary to apopint guardians of the peace. In Fountain County, Indiana the most popular and efficient guardian of the peace, or in other words the county sheriff is James Simmerman, who has discharged the duties of his responsible position in a manner reflecting credit upon himself and upon his constituents. Mr. Simmerman is a Hoosier by birth, was born six miles east of Covington in Van Buren Township, May 19, 1840 and comes of good old Virginia stock, his parents, James and Margaret Shaeffer Simmerman, being natives of that state. The elder Simmerman brought his family to Wayne County Indiana in 1832, but moved from there to Fountain where they passed the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1867 age 67 and the mother dying 1873, age 67. The father entered land from the Government and it is still in the family, his sons, John and William, owning 240 acres the old homestead. Fourteen children were born to this estimable couple 8 of whom lived to be grown, but only two, besides our subject, who was 5th in order of birth are now living. Emeline, the only daughter married Henry Crane, of Osborn Prarie. The father of these children was a man of much energy and push, no doubt inheriting these characteristics from his Teutonic ancestors. The youthful days of James Simmerman were divided between assisting his father on the farm and in attending the common school, where he secured a good practical education. He remained under the parental roof until March 1865, when he enlisted in Co. C 154th Regiment and was in service for six months, mainly at Harper's Ferry, Va. He was mustered out in August 1865 and on the 23rd of September of the following year married Miss Ruth Whole, a native of Fountain County, Indiana and daughter of J. Whole, also of that county. After marriage Mr. Simmerman remained on a farm near his father until after the latter's death or in 1873, when he went to Veedersburg, where he worked at the carpenter trade for 3 years, erecting stores and other buildings. Mr. Simmerman was Assessor for the township for 9 years continuously and in 1890 he was elected sheriff of the county on the Democratic ticket with a majority of 65. This was an extremely close contest, both men being very prominent in the county. Mr. Simmerman assumed the duties of the office on 22 Nov 1890. The reisdence and jail (both are together) is a very fine building and no man is more capable of filling the position of Sheriff in a satisfactory manner than the original of this notice. He is fearless and determined in discharging his duties, is possessed of excellent judgment and is the right man for the right place. As a citizen and neighbor he has no superior, and by his genieal, pleasant manner has won many friends. In his domestic relations Mr. Simmerman is indeed fortunate, his wife being a lady of superior attainments, and his family all that heart could wish. He has the following interesting children: Joseph O, Deputy Sheriff; Orville Victor, DDS at Veedersburg, attending college; Quincy Byron, Addie, Mary and Dalie. Mr. and Mrs. Simmerman are prominent church members and are deeply interested in all church work.