Lewis A. Simmons was born in Warren County, Iowa, on October 16, 1849, being the son of William C. and Mary B. (Allen) Simmons, natives of Indiana and Kentucky, respectively. They are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
Our subject grew to manhood in Iowa and there received his education. He labored with his father until he was twenty-eight and then began to do for himself. He bought a farm in his native place and wrought there until 1884, when he journeyed westward to Oregon, whence he moved to Washington, and then to Latah County, near Genesee, where he rented land. Later Mr., Simmons bought a farm and in the fall of 1895 he came to the reservation and took land for himself. His place is situated about three miles southeast from Ilo, and the winter following his filing, he removed the family there. This has been the family home since and Mr. Simmons has displayed both wisdom and industry in handling his estate. He has a large number of improvements and raises grain for the market. November 18, 1895, was the date of taking this claim.
On February 24, 1876, Mr. Simmons married Miss Charity, daughter of James E. and Rebecca (Nice) Smith, natives of Ohio and Indiana and were born in July, 1814, and November, 181 4, and died in 1893 and 1865, respectively. Mr. Smith was a pioneer of Indiana and his parents were of Kentucky. Mrs. Smith’s parents were pioneers of Indiana and her grandfather, William Nice, was a soldier in the war of 181 2. Mrs. Simmons was born in Carroll County, Indiana, on November 9, 1852, and has three brothers, John W., Erastus J., and Isaac N. Mr. Simmons has the following named brothers and sisters: Elizabeth, James C., and Deborah, all deceased: Mehalia, John B., Samuel J., Lucinda R., and William T. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simmons: Etha, Megenity, William O., Alta M.. Samuel J., deceased, Lottie E., Gustave, and Isaac A.
Mrs. Simmons is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Simmons is a member of the school board end has always been active in labors for good schools. Mr. Simmons is a man of exceptional qualifications for getting along peaceably in this world, having never been sued and never has he resorted to the law in any case. He is respected by all who know him and is a good, substantial citizen.
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Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903