1910 -- Charles W. SIMMONS, Wichita, ex-sheriff Sedgwick Co., native of WI having been born in Monroe, Green Co., 17 Dec 1847. Son of C. J. & MARY (ALLISON) SIMMONS, natives NC and IL respectively. Parents of Mr. Simmons removed from WI to IL in spring of 1847, where the father purchased land and followed the occupation of farming. Here he reared a family of 14 children, 13 of whom are still living (1910). Charles W. Simmons was their third child. Education of lad was in public schools of his native town, after finishing school remained on home farm until attaining majority when he left parental roof and began for himself in Buchanan Co. IA, where he engaged in farming.

Came to Sedgwick Co. KS October 1879 and camped on land which he now owns in Kechi Twp. Made trip from IA to KS in wagon, first going to Linn Co. KS, and then continuing to Sedgwick Co. where he proved up a claim in Minneha Twp., which he later sold. Went to Caldwell for short time, soon returned to his first choice Kechi Twp. where he secured homestead which he improved. The period known as the "grasshopper year" came as a discouragement, and he returned to his native visit on a visit.

After the plague had ceased he made the return trip to KS by wagon, and found his farm then gave every indication of fertility. Began once more with renewed vigor to surmount all obstacles. Later bought a farm Valley Cntr. Twp., and first became a resident of Wichita in 1880, where he bought and sold hay for a time, when he again returned after 2 years to Kechi Twp. and farming, as the boom period had made conditions rather uncertain. Engaged in farming for 4 years when he was made undersheriff of Sedgwick Co. KS under B. R. ROYCE, resigning after having held position 14 mo.

Mr. Simmons then purchased the Mammoth Livery business, Wichita, when he conducted until Nov 1902 when he sold to fill office of sheriff of Sedgwick Co., to which he was elected by a large majority that year on the Republican ticket. He served in that office for 5 yrs. Since retirement from office has been engaged in hay and real estate business. One of the important things during his term of office as sheriff was his efficiency in the celebrated JESTER case. Only other political office held by Mr. Simmons was that of township clerk in Kechi Twp. Presently a member of Valley Center Lodge, No. 364, A. F. and A. M., of the Consistory, Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Fraternal Aid.

He was married in 1873 to Miss PARILEE DADISMAN of Sedgwick Co. Of this union there has been issue DAISY E., LILLY P., DURWARD C., GEORGIA, and CHARLES D.-- the later dying at the age of 12.

-- Excerpts, "History of Sedgwick Co., Past & Present," 1910, Editor In Chief, Hon. C. F. COOPER & Co., Chicago