The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1899-04-13
lax Collector Simonton.


Theodore E. Simontop, Who has recent
ly been elected for fifth successive term
as tax collector of Rockland, enjoys the dis.
tinction of never having been out of en-
ployment an hour since he became old
enough to know that mankind was placed
upon this footstool for purpose. He had
kind, indulgent father, but inherited that
parent thrift and energy, and although
there have been plenty Of opportunities
in the course of his life to take matters
easy for SPELL Mr.. Simonton has never
seen fit to relax his labors, and is today
looked upon III our appreclative com
munty not only as a NODDED official. but as
a model citizen.
Theodore was born il Camden, Maine.
August u, 1888, the son of William Sim.
onton, esq, and Elizabeth (Robertsl Sim
onton. Mr.. Simonton, senior, was one of
Camden's wel-tO-dO citizens engaged in
lime manufacturing and farming, at an in
terror part of the town known then as
Simonton' 5 Corner and now officially de
signated by the postotfice department as
edmonton The old house in which
the family of eleven children was reared,
and from which they passed out into the
world, still stands, gray and weather beat
en-. He transacted the business of Justice
OF the peace, notary public, and other
extremely useful professions Theodore
worked on the farm in the various capa-
cities of a pastoral life and before he had
attained the age of II knew as much about
the art of tilling the soil and burning lime
rock as any young man in the community.
He drove a rock team to Camden ha1bor
at an age when most young men are enjoy
ing halcyon days ia the ball field. He
worked at all branches of the lime indus
try, from hauling rock in the day time to
tending kiln in the lone hours Of night
And while thus Learning the lesson Of
thrift and industry he by no means neg
lected the important duty Of acquiring
such an education as the times and circum-
stances afforded. The village schools were
well up to the average and under such
well known tutors as Isaac Hobbs of
Hope and Joseph Young of r pckland.
both now dead and gone. he delved
earnestly into the studies which provided
him with knowledge Indispensable to
the long business career W hich was to en-
sue.
Leaving Camden at the age of II, Mr..
Slmonton went to Belfast, where he acted
as clerk in the boot and shoe store of
Nathaniel Wiggin and the clothing store
OF 5. q. Thurlow. He was also d book
keeper at one time for Wilson & Ander
son, buyers Of wood and bark, and who
kept "A general store. He attended Bel
fast Academy during his spare moments,
that Institution then being under the
charge Of Prof. Craig. Among his school
mates were William H. Anderson. who is
now prominent insurance man in Port
land, and Edw. Alden, who holds an i'm
portant position with the Commercial
Union telegraph company in New \ ork.
From Belfast Mr.. Simonton moved in
1850 to Rockland. Where he entered the
dry goods business with his brother under
the firm name of I. E. and F. j. Simon
ton. This name was soon changed to
Simonton Bros. and as such remained
until very recently when it became the
Simonton Dry Goods Co. Theodore Simon
ton was the senior partner Of this firm for
% years, during which time the concern
was the Leading dry goods store in Rock
land and one of the foremost in the state.
MI. Simonton withdrew from the firm in
1888, but remained in the store until 1890,
being regarded as one of the best statesmen
in this part of Maine. He knew every
body and everybody knew him. He was
uniformly courteous, genial and obliging,
no matter how Overtaxed with the hun
dred and one vexations known to those
who stand on the farther side of dry goods
counter
In March 1891, Mr.. Simonton entered
upon his duties as deputy collector of the
port of Kockland and served four years.
He then engaged in the insurance bust
ness. In the spring of 1895 he was elect
ed tax collector of RI ckland and has been
re elected every year since by a unanimous
vote.
Mr.. Simonton has always been Re-
publican and of the most loyal type He
cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln
and was member of the Lincolnvlle
Wide Awake Club which made that famous
presidential campaign so lively in this
section. He was elected councilmen for
ward 3 in 1866 and in 1870, and in tue lat
ter year was president of the board. In
1870 he was elected representative to the
State legislature and reelected in 1880.
In 1896, acting upon the Recommended
ton of the Rockland Grand Army men,
Mr.. Simonton was appointed an honorary
aidede- camp with the title of Colonel on
the staff of National Commander Louis F.
Ellis of the Union Veterans Union.
Mr. Simonton is specially prominent
among the Masonic fraternity. having
taken his 32d degree in 1886. He was re-
corder of Claremont Commandery, K. T.,
for ten years and is at present treasurer of
that fraternity. He takes an especial
pride in the Commandery and is not only
faithful attendant at the meetings but al
ways takes part in the pilgrimages.
Mr.. Simonton was married in 1857 to
Ellen S. Wadlin of Belfast, and five chill
dren resulted from their union. The sur
viyinQ Children are MavO p SimOnton