Obit: Simons, Frederick J. (1850 - 1928)
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Surnames: SIMONS WARD HIGBEE STALLARD STURDIVANT MILRADT

----Sources: HUMBIRD ENTERPRISE (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) 03/03/1928

Simons, Frederick J. (15 MAR 1850 - 24 FEB 1928)

Frederick J. Simons, eldest of a family of nine children of Christopher and Barbara Simons, was born in Germany March 15, 1850. He came to America when a boy of five years of age, moving from New York City with his parents to Genesee, in Waukesha Co., Wis. Here they resided until he reached young manhood.

He served apprenticeship at the tinner trade at Oconomowoc, later going to Elroy as a tradesman, where he was associated with the Grimshaw Brothers, working as a tinner for some time. From Elroy he came to Merrillan and worked for Merrill Bros., also working for them at Arcadia.

His next move was to Humbird (Clark Co., Wis.), in 1871, where he was employed first by Well Bros., and later by R.D. Shaw. On Feb. 8, 1878, he established his hardware store, which has been in continuous operation for fifty years.

On Dec. 5, 1878, he was united in marriage to Emma R. Ward of Cardwell’s Prairie, Wis.. To this union were born two children, Edith A. and Arthur F., both residents of Humbird.

Mr. Simons enjoyed the best of health for many years, but the last two years appeared to be failing. In December he was taken with a cold which confined him to his home most of the time. He gradually grew weaker and was taken, on January 18th, to the Sacred Heart Hospital at Eau Claire for treatment, and was brought to his home after three weeks’ time, where he passed away on Feb. 24th, at the age of 77 years, 11 months and 8 days. He leaves to mourn his death, his daughter and son; one brother, Henry of Friend, Neb.; and five sisters: Mrs. Lillian Higbee and Miss Mary R. Simons of Minneapolis, Mrs. Libby Stallard of Madison, Mrs. Anna Sturdivant of Waukesha, and Mrs. Clara Millradt of Milwaukee. One brother and one sister passed away in childhood, and Mr. Simons’ wife preceded him to the Great Beyond Feb. 5th, 1894.

Mr. Simons was baptized in the Lutheran faith in early childhood. His life was one of devotion and interest in the welfare of others, never willing to leave any known duty undone. He served for a number of years as town treasurer and was always interested in civic affairs. He was a member of the Masonic order for over fifty years, belonging to the Humbird Lodge No. 191, and was also a member of the local Eastern Star Chapter. Mr. Simons was a charter member of Mound Camp, M.W.A., and served the camp in an official capacity for thirteen years.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the town hall, which was filled with a congregation of sorrowing friends. Many eyes were dimmed with tears as young and old filed past the flower-covered casket to gaze for the last time upon the face of their friends, still in death. A male quartet, composed of Messrs. Duxbury, Langworthy, Duxbury, and Henderson from Alma Center, sang. Rev. L. L. Litchfield offered prayer, and Rev. F.R. Harding gave a most fitting tribute to our beloved townsman in the funeral sermon. John Gruber of Black River Falls gave the impressive Masonic burial rites at the grave in Mentor Cemetery.