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Biography - TERRY SIMMONS

For almost a quarter of a century Terry Simmons has been identified with the journalistic circle of LaSalle county, and in consequence is widely known. He is a gentleman of marked ability and wide information, is devoted to the best interests of the county and state, and uses his influence on behalf of good government and all that goes toward the elevation of his fellow-men.

Several generations ago the ancestors of our subject emigrated from Scotland and Ireland to the United States, and his paternal grandfather, Morris Simmons, was a native of New York state. The birth of Terry Simmons occurred in Shabbona, De Kalb county, Illinois, September 26, 1855. His parents, M. M. and Phylance (Terry) Simmons, were natives of the Empire state, and there were reared to maturity. They came to Illinois in 1835, and in 1870 removed to Marseilles.

The school days of Terry Simmons were passed in the town of his birth, Leland and Marseilles. It was his privilege to attend Jennings Seminary at Aurora, Illinois, for some time, and upon the completion of his studies he was employed in the post-office here under D. H. Slagle, serving for six years as deputy. In the Centennial year he founded the Marseilles Plaindealer, and eighteen years later, November 28, 1894, purchased the Seneca Record, both of which papers he has published ever since. They are issued weekly, on Fridays, and are extensively circulated throughout the county. Devoted first and foremost to the interests of their respective communities, county news and other information also find a place in their columns. Personally, Mr. Simmons is a Republican in national affairs, but is thoroughly independent in local elections, favoring the most suitable candidate and best principle, regardless of party lines.

June 12, 1879, the marriage of Mr. Simmons and Miss Julia Thompson was celebrated at Leland, Illinois, and their union has been blessed with four sons and three daughters. Mrs. Simmons is a daughter of Henry and Minnie Thompson, of Leland.

Extracted 17 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois, published in 1900, volume 2, pages 484-485.


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