Benjamin A. Simmons, a prosperous farmer of the Fourth District, was born October 3, 1834, in Halifax County, N.C. He was the only son of James B. and Sarah (Worrell) Simmons, both of whom were born, raised and married in 1829, in same county and state that Benjamin was. They had four children. In 1853, the family moved to Hardeman County, where the mother, who was a Primitive Baptist, died in 1867. Mr. Simmons was of English origin. He was a strong Democrat, and served many years as magistrate, in his native State. By occupation, he was a farmer, owning quite an extensive plantation. In 1883, he wedded Miss Clara Willoughby, and in 1886 departed this life. The grandparents on both sides were Virginians. The subject of this sketch spent his early life on a farm. He received an excellent academic education. He made his home within his parents until long after his majority. In 1861, he married a daughter of Thos. H. Harris, Miss Martha O., who was born in Hardeman County, September 20, 1844. Their union has been blessed with two sons and three daughters. In 1861, Mr. Simmons volunteered with the South. Shortly afterward he joined the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Senior Regiment of Tennessee, serving until the close of the war. He was never captured, but received a severe wound at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., and two others less serious. After the restoration of peace, he returned home and found all of his stock, provisions and household goods destroyed and gone. He began with absolutely nothing, but by industry and judicious management has met with great success, and now owns 1,400 acres of land. Thirty-three years he has lived in Hardeman County, where he is universally and favorably known. He is very liberal to all churches, schools or beneficial enterprises.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”