JAMES P. SIMONS was born in Prairie Township, this county, November 9, 1856, and is the eldest of the seven children born to George H. and Mary (Welch) Simons, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio, and respectively of German and Welsh descent. Inl843, at about the age of eight years, George H. Simons came to Big Creek Township, this county, with his parents ; his father died when lie was about twelve, -after which he made his home with an aunt until he was twenty-one; he then farmed on shares for several years, then moved to Butler County, Kan.; bought a farm and remained until the fall of 188 t, when he returned to White County and settled in Union Township, where he and wife now reside, members of the Union Baptist Church. James P. Simons, until eighteen years old, was employed by his father ; he then began teaching school in winter and farming in summer, and has been so employed ever since. In September, 1881, he married Sarah E. Johnson, a native of White County, who has borne him one son-Walter A. In politics, Mr. Simons, is a Democrat, and in Big Creek Township served as Deputy Assessor two years. In November, 1882, lie was elected Recorder of White County, receiving a large majority, and almost the entire vote of his own township.

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