John Simmons was the son of James H. and Edith Arminda Sparks Simmons. He was born in Lawrence Co. Mississippi and came to Texas with his family by ox wagon in 1846. He married Eliza Jane Newsom in Rusk Co. Texas, on August 16, 1843.

 

Johns Simmons like all good southern young men joined 1st Texas Mounted Riflemen for a 1 year enlistment. Supplying his own horse, tact, bedroll, weapon and change of clothes. After the end of this enlistment on May 13,1862 he joined the company G, 18th Tex, Infantry. This unit walked more than 17,000 miles.

 

He was a mason and a Christian man. He attended Church services at Cool Springs and a Baptist. He was the father of 7 Children.