Biography of A N Simmons, Independence Co, AR

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SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas. 
Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1889.
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page 714

A. N. Simmons, farmer and miller, Batesville, Ark. The milling industry is well
represented in Batesville by the above named gentleman, who is a progressive
business man, and who is also closely associated with the farming interest of
Independence County, Ark. He was born in Weakley County, Tenn., on the 28th of
August, 1833, and is the son of Anthony N. Simmons, a native of North Carolina,
who, after growing up, married Miss Penelope O'Neil, also a native of North
Carolina. In 1832 they emigrated to Tennesse, located in Weakley County, and
after remaining there a short time, emigrated to Gibson County. At one time he
and a man by the name of Nolen, bought 160 acres of land apiece where Memphis
now stands, but owing to the sickness of Mr. Simmons, he gave up his part, thus
depriving himself of an independent fortune. He died in Gibson County, Tenn.,
in 1834, and the mother in 1854. The father was a farmer, a mechanic, and was
said to be the finest cabinet-workman in the State. Of their six children,
three are living at the present time: Joseph, Fordice and Anthony N. The latter
was reared in Tennessee until fourteen years of age, and secured but a limited
education. In the spring of 1848 he removed with his mother to St. Francis
County, Ark., and while living there the county was, respectively, St. Francis,
Jackson and Woodruff Counties. In 1861 Mr. Simmons enlisted in Company C,
McCrea's regiment, and served thirty-six days, when he was taken sick and sent
home. He was detailed to take charge of some negroes. While living in St.
Francis County he was engaged in farming, and also carried on the milling
business. In 1865 he came to Independence County and located where he now
lives. He bought a mill, ran it for some time, and then bought another. Since
living here he has erected several mills, and has carried on the milling
business for thirty-three years. He erected the first stone mill on the bayou.
He owns 210 acres of land, with about sixty acres under cultivation, but turns
his attention principally to his milling business. He now owns two mills, both
running most of the time. By his marriage to Miss J. A. O'Neil, in 1854, he
became the father of five living children: Samuel, John, Jefferson, Fannie
(second wife of G. I. Dwinal) and Delbert. Mr. Simmons is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He also filled the office of the justice of the peace in a very
successful and satisfactory manner while living in Woodruff County.