For almost a quarter of a century Terry Simmons has been identified with
the journalistic circle of LaSalle county, and in consequence is widely
known. He is a gentleman of marked ability and wide information, is devoted
to the best interests of the county and state, and uses his influence on
behalf of good government and all that goes toward the elevation of his
fellow-men.
Several generations ago the ancestors of our subject emigrated from Scotland
and Ireland to the United States, and his paternal grandfather, Morris
Simmons, was a native of New York state. The birth of Terry Simmons occurred
in Shabbona, De Kalb county, Illinois, September 26, 1855. His parents, M.
M. and Phylance (Terry) Simmons, were natives of the Empire state, and there
were reared to maturity. They came to Illinois in 1835, and in 1870 removed
to Marseilles.
The school days of Terry Simmons were passed in the town of his birth,
Leland and Marseilles. It was his privilege to attend Jennings Seminary at
Aurora, Illinois, for some time, and upon the completion of his studies he
was employed in the post-office here under D. H. Slagle, serving for six
years as deputy. In the Centennial year he founded the Marseilles
Plaindealer, and eighteen years later, November 28, 1894, purchased the
Seneca Record, both of which papers he has published ever since. They are
issued weekly, on Fridays, and are extensively circulated throughout the
county. Devoted first and foremost to the interests of their respective
communities, county news and other information also find a place in their
columns. Personally, Mr. Simmons is a Republican in national affairs, but is
thoroughly independent in local elections, favoring the most suitable
candidate and best principle, regardless of party lines.
June 12, 1879, the marriage of Mr. Simmons and Miss Julia Thompson was
celebrated at Leland, Illinois, and their union has been blessed with four
sons and three daughters. Mrs. Simmons is a daughter of Henry and Minnie
Thompson, of Leland.
Extracted 17 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois, published in 1900, volume 2, pages 484-485.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
| Bureau |
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Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
