Among the arrivals in Harney county who have come from native places to identify themselves with this progressive region, we must not fail to mention the gentleman whose name is at the head of this article and who has wrought here with untiring energy and unflagging zeal in the line of stock raising, and in addition now handles the mail and stage line from Diamond to Andrews. Mr. Simmons was born in Berryville, Arkansas, on March 22, 1862, being the son of Isaac and Sarah Simmons. He grew up on a farm and received his education from the public schools and in 1877 went to Millville, California, afterward returning to Arkansas. It was in 1888 that he came to the Harney valley, and here at the Narrows, on January 1, 1893, he married Mrs. Mary A. Burneson, daughter of Albert and Mary Hembree, who are mentioned in this volume. To this happy union there were born two children, Alice Esma and Rose Alliene. By her former marriage Mrs. Simmons had two children, Charles Albert and Ira D. P. Mr. Simmons engaged in raising stock and handles the stage line in addition. His father was a captain in the Union army and died soon after the war was over.
Mr. Simmons is a man of sound principles and has won friends in his walk, being well known and respected by all.