Person:Alex Simonton (1)

"Alexander McClain Simonton, second son of David L. and Mary G., was born near the little village of Middleboro, Warren county, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1842. When about four years old his parents moved on a farm previously purchased, where he was reared to manhood. A little brick meeting house was near and it was there that the family attended Sunday school and church. After completing the work in the public school, he entered the Normal at Lebanon, Ohio to prepare for teaching. He was about seventeen years of age then. He began teaching in 1862, and taught about six years, working of farm during vacations.

During the early 60's he formed an acquaintance with Miss Cyrena S. Jackson, near Level Station, Ohio, who was born July 13, 1841, which culminated in the marriage relation May 18, 1865. The ceremony was pronounced by Rev. L. Clark, of the M. E. church. She began a Christian life at the early age of thirteen.

Having entered the Gospel ministry, he and his wife went to Hillsdale, Mich., and he entered college to prepare more thoroughly for his work, in autumn of 1865. After leaving college he made the ministry the chief work of his life. His first charge was in Michigan. While there Mrs. Simonton was seized with lung trouble, in Feb. 1872. They returned to their home in Ohio, where she patiently endured until the Master said, "It is enough," and calmly and hopefully passed from us on Dec. 15, 1872.

He continued his church work with the home churches, during which time he became acquainted with Miss Margaret West, daughter of Col. Owen and Elizabeth West. She was born near Martinsville, Ohio, June 18, 1856. The association grew stronger until both parties agreed to change their relationship. And on April 25, 1877, Rev. Ira. H. Dudley pronounced the marriage rites. In young womanhood Miss West confessed Christ in a meeting held at Blanchester. This union was crowned with three daughters.

Rev. A. M. Simonton has been in the ministry 52 years at this date, 1916. Forty-seven years in pastoral work, one in extension work. He solemnized over one hundred marriages; officiated at over two hundred funerals; exact number of baptisms not known, but about two hundred. His labors were in Mich., Ohio, Ill., Ind., and N.Y. states. His pastorates were from two to eleven years. Usually successful in the fields he labored. He is obliged to rest at this date 1916."

Source: Simonton, Rev. Alexander McClain, Simonton History and Record, (Himrod, NY: (Privately published) 1916), pages 8 and 9.

1. ↑ United States. 1860 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M653)
   Salem Twp, Warren Co., Ohio.
2.   Ohio, Warren; Ohio Genealogical Society www.co.warren.oh.us/genealogy/index.htm
   Brides Book 1861-1867 pg 40.