Source: North Manchester Journal, June 13, 1895

John Simonton was born in Preble county, O., Jan. 18th, 1813, died June 3, 1895, aged 82 years, 4 months, and 15 days. He was married Sept. 13, 1835, to Martha Calhoun, of Ohio, and started the 14th of the month for the state of Indiana, locating in Wabash county, then a vast wilderness, to make their future home, which they did very successfully, living together as husband and wife for nearly fifty years, lacking a few months, the wife and mother passing away a little over ten years ago. Father and mother Simonton united with the Christian church December 18th, 1847, remaining members of the same until their death.

They reared a family of eleven children, all of whom grew to man and womanhood, three having been called home, leaving still eight to follow in their footsteps. There are now living 32 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. The funeral was held in Pleasant Grove Christian church on Wednesday, June 5, 1895. The services were conducted by the pastor, assisted by Rev. W. S. Jordan, of the M.E. church. Bro. Simonton was a well known and much respected citizen of Chester township, living here for almost 60 years. He has now gone from labor to reward. May God ever bless the remaining part of the family and when the conflicts of life are all over may they all be gathered home.  --D. Hidy