BIO: William SIMONTON, Dauphin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/runk/runk-bios.htm
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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, pages 352-353.
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  SIMONTON, WILLIAM, M.D., was born 1755, in county Antrim, Ireland; 
died April 24, 1800, in Hanover township, Dauphin county, Pa.  He was 
brought to this country at the age of ten by his uncle, the Rev. John 
Simonton, pastor of the Great Valley Presbyterian church, in Chester 
county, Pa.  Under the direction of this uncle he received his academic 
and professional education.  Soon after completing his medical course 
he entered upon the practice of his profession, but at what place is 
unknown.  In 1784 he purchased a tract of land called "Antigua," 
containing one hundred and eighty-two acres, situated in West Hanover 
township, from Joseph Hutchison.  Upon this farm he resided all his 
life.  All the traditions which have reached us concerning his standard 
as a physician, a man, and a Christian, are highly favorable.  A 
fitting testimonial to his life, labors and character was prepared by 
the Rev. James Snodgrass, pastor of Hanover church, and delivered on 
the occasion of his funeral.  His remains are interred in old Hanover 
graveyard.  Mr. Simonton married, November 17, 1777, Jean Wiggins, 
daughter of Dr. John Wiggins, an officer of the Revolution.  She was 
born in 1756 in Paxtang, Lancaster county, Pa., and died October, 1824, 
and buried by the side of her husband.