SIMONTON - Died at LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Saturday April 30, 1881, Joseph SIMONTON, aged 68.
The subject of this notice was well and favorably known to very many of our old citizens, and was for quite a number of years prominently identified with Lebanon and Lebanon interests. He was born on the Wm. Van farm, now owned by Wm. V. Bone, near Bethany Church, on April 30, 1813, his death, consequently, occurring on his 69th anniversary.
At an early age he learned the trade of carriage making with Wm.
Lewis, an uncle of our fellow townsmen Wm. C. Lewis,
who was then engaged in the business about one-half mile above Genntown,
his shop being situated on the farm now owned by Wm. Monroe. From here
he came to Lebanon, working at his trade with Lewis Chamberlin.
In the autumn of 1835, in company with John Simonton,
now the only surviving brother, he purchased the carriage shop located
on the lot now occupied by Jacob Schwartz as a marble
yard, then owned and operated by a gentleman named Penneo.
In October 1837, he was married to Eliza J. Drake, daughter
of Samuel J. Drake and sister of Jno. R.
and S. C. Drake, who with one son Richard L.
survive him. In the fall of 1845 he purchased the interest of his brother
John carrying on the business himself until 1850, when he removed with
his family to Cincinnati taking an interest in an extensive spoke, hub
and felloe factory under the firm name of Royer, Simonton & co. This
business which was an eminently successful one, was carried on until in
1862, when he severed his connection with this house, remaining for a
few years out of active employment - if we except the position of the
Inspector of army wagons, which he was urged to take on account of his
special fitness for the position, and which he acceptably filled. His
habits of active business would not allow him to remain long out of mercantile
life, and in 1865, he identified himself with the wholesale grocery house
of Whitehead, Eggleston & Co., at the same time operating a large
cotton plantation in Arkansas. These ventures, however, however, were
unfortunate, resulting in loss both in health and purse. While in Cincinnati
he was an attendant of and a large contributor to the Christian Church
and the needy in other denominations found in him a willing friend. In
1868, he was stricken with paralysis; and for months as unable to leave
his room. Recovering partially he was advised by his physician to travel
as a means of regaining health, and for several years he visited nearly
all parts of the United States, representing first the Sarvin Wheel co.
In 1878 he removed to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, where he had large property
interests, intending to devote his time in the development of these, and
has since made that place his home. On November 8th, 1880 he was taken
sick, his illness terminating fatally on Saturday, April 30th. His body
was brought to Lebanon for interment in our beautiful cemetery,
it being his wish that he might be laid to rest among the friends of his
early days.
Thus has ended a busy life. A large hearted, noble, generous man has gone
- a man loved by those how knew him, and the places that have known him
shall know him no more forever; but in the memory of those to whom he
was near and dear will be ever live.