Simonson, John S., 1796-1881

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Born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, John S. Simonson (1796-1881) served with the United States Army during the War of 1812. Honorably discharged in 1814, he moved to Charlestown, Indiana, where he married Elizabeth Watson. After serving in the state Senate from 1828 to 1830, Simonson farmed and manufactured flour. In 1841, he was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives and became its speaker in 1845. The following year, President James K. Polk appointed Simonson captain of the mounted riflemen of the United States Army, a position he held through the Mexican War, including the siege and capture of Vera Cruz. In 1852, Simonson was ordered to Texas, where he served on the frontier and Rio Grande, and commanded an expedition against the Apaches to protect the El Paso road in 1855. Reassigned to New Mexico in 1856, he participated in the 1857 campaign against the Coyatero Apaches and established a camp and military depot near the Mogollon Mountains. In 1859, Simonson commanded an expedition against the Navajo Indians and explored the San Juan River country, Tuni-Cha Mountains, and Canyon de Chelly. He retired from military service in 1861 at the rank of colonel in the 3rd U. S. Cavalry, but continued to work through the next decade as superintendent of the volunteer recruiting service in Indianapolis as well as its mustering and disbursing officer.

Source:

Nowland, John H. B. Sketches of prominent citizens of 1876, with a few of the pioneers of the city and county who have passed away . Indianapolis: Tilford & Carlon, 1877.

From the guide to the Simonson, John S. Papers 69-66., 1850-1860, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)

Born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, John S. Simonson (1796-1881) served with the United States Army during the War of 1812.

Honorably discharged in 1814, he moved to Charlestown, Indiana, where he married Elizabeth Watson. After serving in the state Senate from 1828 to 1830, Simonson farmed and manufactured flour. In 1841, he was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives and became its speaker in 1845. The following year, President James K. Polk appointed Simonson captain of the mounted riflemen of the United States Army, a position he held through the Mexican War, including the siege and capture of Vera Cruz. In 1852, Simonson was ordered to Texas, where he served on the frontier and Rio Grande, and commanded an expedition against the Apaches to protect the El Paso road in 1855. Reassigned to New Mexico in 1856, he participated in the 1857 campaign against the Coyatero Apaches and established a camp and military depot near the Mogollon Mountains. In 1859, Simonson commanded an expedition against the Navajo Indians and explored the San Juan River country, Tuni-Cha Mountains, and Canyon de Chelly. He retired from military service in 1861 at the rank of colonel in the 3rd U. S. Cavalry, but continued to work through the next decade as superintendent of the volunteer recruiting service in Indianapolis as well as its mustering and disbursing officer.

Source:

Nowland, John H. B. Sketches of prominent citizens of 1876, with a few of the pioneers of the city and county who have passed away. Indianapolis: Tilford & Carlon, 1877.

From the description of Simonson, John S., Papers, 1850-1860 (University of Texas Libraries). WorldCat record id: 772459769

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Simonson, John S. Papers 69-66., 1850-1860 Dolph Briscoe Center for American History
creatorOf Simonson, John S., 1796-1881. Simonson, John S., Papers, 1850-1860 University of Texas Libraries
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Simonson, Elizabeth E. person
associatedWith Simonson, Elizabeth E. person
associatedWith United States. Army. Cavalry Regiment, 3rd corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
Fort Defiance (Ariz.)
Fort Defiance (Ariz.)
New Mexico
West (U.S.)
New Mexico
Subject
Apache Indians
Fortification
Fortification
Mormons
Mormons
Navajo Indians
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1796

Death 1881

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