Fairfield County CT Archives Obituaries.....Simms, John January 11, 1863

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Stamford Soldiers' Memorial 1869
  JOHN SIMMS. Co. G. 10th Conn. This excellent young man, when the war opened,
was living with G. K. Riker, Esq., where he had won for himself a good name as a
faithful and trustworthy young man. The testimonials which were given at, his
death are ample witnesses as to his excellent character. In the editorial which
reports the funeral services we have this estimate of the departed soldier:
"Early left an orphan, and with no near relative living, John Simms was a
self-made man. He had none of the advantages which a finished education, or high
social position gives, yet, by his manly deportment and strict integrity he had
gained the esteem and good wishes of all who knew him."

  The Rev. P. S. Evans, his pastor, in the funeral sermon which he preached Feb.
1, 1863, thus testifies:

   "Our brother first became known to me in November, 1859, at which time he
joined our church by letter. From the first he was loved and respected by all
who knew him. * * * As a member of the church he was distinguished for manly
earnestness and childlike humility. He was constant in his attendance. He
labored with great self-distrust, but with scrupulous faithfulness in the
Sabbath school. When, now nearly two years since, the echo of the guns of
Sumpter sounded through the land, John Simms was one of those who stepped to the
front. He said he had but one life, but that was at the service of his country.
During that first three months of service none could have been more faithful as
a soldier and a Christian than he. Every one spoke well of him. On his return he
was asked if he had not seen enough of soldiering? 'No,' said he, 'the danger is
more imminent now than then. My country calls more loudly than before. The
horrible field of Bull Run was so disgraceful, both to officers and men, that it
must be avenged.' After a brief respite he re-enlisted in the Tenth Conn. Here
he won golden opinions from comrades and officers. He bore a gallant part in the
battles of Roanoke Island and Newbern. Whoever may have flinched, he did not. He
always spoke encouragingly and hopefully of the final issue." Mr. Simms was sent
home on recruiting service, and during his absence was promoted 2d lieutenant,
when the Sunday School of the Baptist church presented him with a sword.

  The occasion of his fatal wound, we have given us, in Mr. Evans' sermon. "An 
expedition was planned against Kingston and Goldsboro, and the famous Tenth must
share the dangers and the glory. He was not wanting at the post of danger, when
it was the post of duty; and during the progress of the fight, at Kingston, Dec.
14, 1862, he received the wound of which he has since died. It was at first
thought that the wound was slight. After lingering in uncertainty, mingled with
hope and fear for three weeks, it became evident to all that he must die—and on
the 11th of Jan., 1863, he fell asleep in Jesus." His remains now lie in our
beautiful Woodland Cemetery.

    Our hearts with their anguish are broken, oar wet eyes are dim;
    For us is the loss and the sorrow, the TRIUMPH for him.
                                                   PHOEBE CAREY.


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