The following essay was submitted by Mrs. Nellie (Simmon) Johnson to the Rock Island County Historical Society in 1976 along with genealogical information and documents supporting an application for descendants of Henry Peter Simmon (1793–1875) and Eva Catherine Simmon (1795–1874) to be included in the “Pre 1877 Rock Island County Pioneer Family Program Index,” a program that was part of the Rock Island County Bicentennial Commission.
Ironically, despite this detailed and lovingly written essay, Aunt Belle’s name was not included in the Pioneer Family Index when it was published, though Nellie’s was, as were Belle’s parents’ and brothers’ names.
Isabel Ida Simmon 1868–1946
Many generations have passed who have helped, each in his or her own way, to build and glorify their chosen part of America. The ancestors of the Simmon family chose Rural Twp., Rock Island County, Illinois. Most of them had large families who in turn can at this Bicentennial year of 1976, research and speak out for their forefathers.
There is one among the Simmon family that was not fortunate to have someone speak out for her, because she remained unmarried her entire life. Her name is Isabel Ida Simmon, better known as Belle Simmon, born March 4, 1868, daughter of Henry Jacob Simmon. She was one of the two daughters of the family of seven. She was born in Rural Twp., on the homestead farm. She was an intellectual, an artist, a secretary and a homeowner.
In the years 1890 through 1895, she taught at the school near her home, Dist. #7, later known as Dist. #87. Her pay was $30.00 per month and usually only five months to a school year. The reason for her not teaching longer was due to the possible lack of funds or lack of pupils. The census for that year showed only 21.The transfer was made for Dist. 7 to go to Dist. 4, which was the schoolhouse beside the Rural Town Hall.
The following years are slightly vague except she did attend art school at Valparaiso, Indiana, graduating with the class of 1897. She set up her own studio in Rock Island. Possibly this was not so lucrative and she must have taken some business college training because she became secretary to John P. Hand, whose offices were located in Davenport. She apparently rode the ferry each day across the Mississippi, otherwise the streetcar, known as the Bridgeline. She spent the rest of her working years with this company until Mr. Hand retired and closed his office.
Aunt Belle had always worked independently, she had her own home at 917 21st St., Rock Island. In her life, she traveled, played piano, worked with her art and had an overwhelming love for her mother. I believe she sent her a card daily and never missed a holiday card, including July 4, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day. The cards were beautiful. I have a stack of them that I muse through occasionally.
During the years when our family was finishing grade school (1924), it was virtually unheard of for country parents to send their children on to higher education. They were supposed to be at an age when they would be most useful on the farm. My father, Arthur Simmon, did not see it that way so he asked Aunt Belle if and when we were ready for high school, would she take care of us. Dad promised to supply all the things from the farm plus $2.00 a week for anything needed from the store. This was plenty of money, even in 1924. One by one, the four of us descended upon her but she was very strict. We had a deadline for supper and a curfew of 9:30 PM for bedtime. We could study until 9:00 and the 30 minutes were for social and/or exercise. She was very good to us though she was strict, we all learned much from her, especially to tell time!
She was sad but proud when we finally all departed as graduates but we never forgot her. Dad and mother kept right on bringing her produce from the farm as well as canned goods that mother made. Years later I roomed and boarded with her when I worked at the Rock Island Arsenal, before my marriage. She was so happy to have one of us come back. I was treated royally, with a key to the house to come and go as I pleased.
Aunt Belle stood tall, straight, proud and physically fit until the age of 78 in November when she was forced to go to the hospital with what she thought was appendicitis. The doctor operated only to find deadly cancer. He could do nothing for her but she never knew anything other than her appendix were removed. On one of my visits during her short period in the hospital, she asked, “do you think I will be home for Thanksgiving?” And I answered, “Yes, Aunt Belle, I think you will.” and the warmth of the handclasp will always be felt. We were talking of two different homes, but it was the easiest question she could have asked me.
So in this farewell in the life of Miss Isabel I. Simmon, born March 4, 1863, she did a great share in educating the families. All the years of her life she was a very good Christian woman. She attended faithfully the Memorial Christian Church on the corner of 15th St. and 3rd Ave. in Rock Island. She walked both ways winter and summer.
Among the Rural Twp. folks in her class at Dist. #7 (87) as nearly as records show, probably were: John Wilson, Cleveland Wilson, Edna Wilson, Arthur E. Simmon, Harry McNeal, Frank Wilson, and James Dhuyvetter. There were probably others but the school records do not show the attendance prior to 1896. In this particular school, some college courses were also taught to those who cared to continue longer.
Lovingly submitted by:
Mrs. Nellie Simmon Johnson,
Her niece.
This week at my job, I’m editing a short recruitment video for a John Deere sales/parts/service outfit headquartered in northern Maine. You’re no doubt familiar with the iconic green and yellow farm equipment made by Deere & Co., which is headquartered in Moline, IL. But did you know a Simmon was a prominent early member of the Deere team?
In July of 1896, all nine Simmon siblings sat together for a family portrait at a photo studio and gallery in Rock Island. The occasion was noteworthy enough to warrant an item in the newspaper.