Simonson, Joseph C. (Joseph Clifford), 1904-1985.

Joseph Simonson was born May 24, 1904 on a farm in Fillmore County near Lanesboro, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Olaf College (Northfield, Minn.) in 1925 and from Luther Theological Seminary (St. Paul) in 1931. He also studied law at George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) from 1926 to 1928, receiving an honorary LL.D. from Concordia College (Moorhead, Minn.) in 1952.

While studying law in Washington, D.C., Simonson served as secretary to Congressman August Andresen. He continued his interest in politics by serving as chaplain in the Minnesota State Senate, 1941-1951. In 1953 he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, serving until 1957.

After his graduation from Luther Theological Seminary, Simonson served as pastor at churches in Chicago, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He was active in religious, civic, and political organizations.

Simonson married Sylvia Rusley of Forest Lake, Iowa on November 10, 1927. They had two daughters: Carmen Joan Simonson (Mrs. Sidney Eisensmith) who died March 18, 1978; and, Lois Simonson (Mrs. Lionel Mosling). Joseph Simonson died in 1985. His wife died in 1996.

From the guide to the Joseph Simonson diaries and related papers., 1927-1984., (Minnesota Historical Society)