The Simmons plot is officially an unnamed cemetery. It was used by a pioneer family that endured more than its share of hardships.
At least two of the people buried here are veterans, Joshua Simmons (Civil War) and his father-in-law Charles G. Minnick (War of 1812). Mr. Simmons drowned in the Saline River in July 1878; two of his children died two months later of diphthera.
The inscription on this side is for two sons of Joshua Simmons, Charles W. and Allen Simmons.
The inscription on this side is for Rebecca Simmons, mother of Joshua.
In the 1950s, several newspaper stories about the abandoned family plot came to the attention of Arthur Rose, a "former Lincoln boy" then working for the Kansas Veterans Commission. Mr. Rose researched the case and a tombstone was erected for Joshua Simmons, which reads: "Co. F, 13 Reg't, Iowa Inf, June 13, 1831, July 27, 1878".
In researching Joshua Simmons, Mr. Rose also learned that his father-in-law was probably buried on the site. After more research, a stone was ordered and erected for Mr. Minnick as well. It reads:
"Maryland, Dummer 1 Reg't, Arty Md Militia, War of 1812, May 24, 1798, March 15, 1889".
To read more about this cemetery and the Simmons family, click here.