William H. Simmons is one of the substantial and respected citizens of Central ridge, a man of uprightness and governed by sound principles, thoroughly alive to the welfare of the community and an enterprising and industrious agriculturist. He was born in Randolph County, Indiana, on January 31, 1861, his parents being John and Martha (Woodin) Simmons. At the age of seven, he went with his parents to Douglas County, Kansas, and there grew up and received his education. His mother died in 1873, But the father lives still in Douglas County. In 1891 Mr. Simmons came to Moscow, and there engaged for wages in farm work. At the opening of the reservation for settlement, on November 18, 1895, he was among the first to locate and so secured a choice piece of land, it is situated about twelve miles southeast from Peck and is a model farm in every respect of care and husbandry. Mr. Simmons has comfortable buildings and has made his farm to produce abundantly. One cannot realize fully the hardships, the deprivations and arduousness of the pioneer’s labors, until on the ground for himself. But we may say that Mr. Simmons has endured his share and also has done his full part in the improvement and advancement of the country, he has taken hold with willing hands, shows wise plans and has accomplished results worthy of his efforts and commendable in every respect. Mr. Simmons is a devout and zealous member of the United Brethren Church and is steward of the organization on Central ridge. His standing with the people of the community is of the best and he is one of the foremost and leading citizens. Mr. Simmons is also still a participator of the quiet joys of the celibatarian.
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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