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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Hardeman County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Benjamin A. Simmons, a prosperous farmer of the Fourth District, was born October 3, 1834, in Halifax County, N. C. He was the only son of James B. and Sarah (Worrell) Simmons, both of whom were born, raised and married in 1829, in same county and State that Benjamin was. They had four children. In 1853 the family moved to Hardeman County, where the mother, who was a Primitive Baptist, died in 1867. Mr. Simmons was of English origin. He was a strong Democrat, and served many years as magistrate, in his native State. By occupation he was a farmer, owning quite an extensive plantation. In 1883 he wedded Miss Clara Willoughby, and in 1886 departed this life. The grandparents on both sides were Virginians. The subject of this sketch spent his early life on a farm. He received an excellent academic education. He made his home with his parents until long after his majority. In 1861 he married a daughter of Thos. H. Harris, Miss Martha O., who was born in Hardeman County, September 20, 1844. Their union has been blessed with two sons and three daughters. In 1861 Mr. Simmons volunteered with the South. Shortly afterward he returned home and joined the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Senior Regiment of Tennessee, serving until the close of the war. He was never captured, but received a severe wound at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., and two others less serious. After the restoration of peace, he returned home and found all of his stock, provisions and household goods destroyed and gone. He began with absolutely nothing, but by industry and judicious management has met with great success, and now owns 1,400 acres of land. Thirty-three years he has lived in Hardeman County where he is universally and favorably known. He is very liberal to all churches, schools or beneficial enterprises.

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This family biography is one of 101 biographies included in the book,  The History of Hardeman County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Hardeman County was included within The History of Fayette and Hardeman Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Fayette and Hardeman Counties, Tennessee

View additional Hardeman County, Tennessee family biographies here: Hardeman County, Tennessee

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