Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-03-12

ialn Simmons had a notable contest,
touching the contraband camp. Old
Soldiers know how the negroes fiocked
into places occupied by the federal
troops and how helpless they were, re-
curing the assistance of the govern
ment for their support.
In Chaplain Simmons camp disease
broke out and there was great lack of
shelter and the chaplain made a requi-
sition for tents and other supplies.
These were passed upon by German
and refused. The chaplain then called
upon the general making an earnest
appeal for the approval of his requi-
sltlon, but was treated with flat re-
fusal, couched in harsh terms. Soon
thereafter. Adjutant Gen. L. Thomas
OF Washington, d. c., made a trip down
the Mississippi and stopped at Helena.
He visited the contraband camp and
Chaplain Simmons was called to ac-
count for it's bad condition. In his de-
Iense ne related what he had done to
better it, and told of his acquisitions
which had been refused The general
said: Have you evidence of this?"
He was Immediately shown the re-
QUESTIONS, with Gen. Germans endorse
ment thereon. That ended Gen. Cor
mans career at the front. He was
sent home.
Mr.. Simmons followed close in touch
with his regiment, ministering to the
wounded, in improvised hospitals on
the battle fields around vicksburg. He
was in Gen. Banks expedition up the
Red River in the spring of 1864, and
came very near being captured in the
first days fighting, which resulted dis
astrously to our arms. Rev. Robb. a
fellow chaplain, was captured there,
having failed to secure a mount. Mr..
Simmons regiment was then transfer
red east, and took part in Gen. Phil.
Sheridan's gallant cam paign, in driving
the rebels out of the Shenandoah val
ley. Mr.. Simmons was with them
there.
Chaplain Simmons took great pleas
ure in attending the reunions of his
regiment, since the war, and his pres
ence was hailed with pleasure by his
comrades.
The above is a brief outline of his
earth life. His ministry for thirty
years has made its indelible mark for
good along the lines of the marvellous
growth of our cherished common
wealth, and his three years OF noble
sacrifice of home, and the bidding
farewell to his little family, to take up
| the trials, the hardships and the dan
gers incident to that great struggle
| for national life under the old flag,
| is inevitable evidence of his sterling
patriotism and recognition of the JUS
tice of our cause. Men never drew the
| sword for cause more divinely ap-
proved.
A Self Cultured Man.
| / have known Mr.. Simmons quite
well for many years, though not until
during the past three years, when our
| homes have been; so near together,
have known him intim ately. Our So
! cial intercourse in that time has been
daily, both seniors in life, the season
of leasure had come to us, and the
hours we have spent together in social
converse, in the past thirty months,
would sum up many days Mr.. Sim
mons was largely deprived of regular
school culture. He was self cultured
las he went along in life, and he grew
rapidly as minister, in popularity and
/ Influence, until hetook a high position
in the conference. He was bold and
incisive in declaring his views, and
was keen disputant if the occasion
| required. One of the most marked
features of his character was his
emotional nature. His sympathy gave
hearty response when called upon.
He was thoroughly orthodox in belief,
and maintained it tenaciously, but en-
tirely free from arrogance and illiber,
atty.
| He had an abiding, cheering conf
dence in the immortal life, and he and
if we did not quite agree to travel
| the same road in doctrine, each for
himself felt comforting assurance in
his future state and held no contro,
versy. shall miss him each day for
long, long time, but not a 1.-THE so
much as the loving wife who so sedu-
ously cared for him, while herself suf.
fering in bodily health. She is now
suddenly awakened to the vision of a
desolate home, she herself being the
| only occupant.
There are those who will bear the
tenderest hand towards the sorrow
stricken companion of their deceased
father.
A. H. Hamilton.