The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-05-27
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:; REV. HENRY MARTIN SIMMONS. 5 |
:ss s:xx.N
Rev. Henry Martyr Simmons, for
t wenty-four years the pastor of the
First Unitarian church of this city, died |
church where he has been living for the
past few months. Mr.. Simmons was in
point of service the oldest minister in
the city and is one Of the best-known
men in the Unitarian ministry. There
were few ministers held in higher es-
TEEN or better loved, and his death, tho
expected for some time, will be shock
and in the city generally.
Death was due to a cancer which has
been slowly undermining his system
and his strength. Over year ago he
suffered a severe illness, but appeared
to rally and for a time resumed his
work. Some weeks ago he was again
obliged to give up preaching and since
then he had been rapidly failing. =.
A Noted Scholar. ~
In the death of Rev. Mr.. Simmons,
Minneapolis loses one of her best and
most noted scholars. There were few
better informed men, few who kept bet
ter abreast of affairs in the world at
large, few who had studied deeper into
nature and science and philosophy.
He was fond of nature and natural
history and botany were two Of his
chief joys. He numbered among his
many friends some Of the best-known
men in the city. One of these, in speak
ing of him today, said: 81 wish my
friend might have died in the fall
rather than at the beginning Of sum-
mer just as nature in all herr beauty
han 70 m W
self, was very fond Of summer. He
loved the birds and the trees and flow
ers and all nature. During the past
winter we talked much Of the coming
summer and together we planned to
spend much time out Of doors. :" ~
Altho he published but two books,
many of his sermons and essays were
issued in pamphlet from time to time.
His "New Tablets of Stone,' pub
lished last year, was freely distributed
among students and scientific men and
received the highest praise both here
and abroad.
Fought for Life.
A little more than a year ago he had
a severe attack, but gradually seemed
to rally and was able to resume his work.
| Then came the beginning of the end.
The disease had been gradually work,
ing and undermining his health and
entire system. Slowly he began to sink
and at last the daily trip from his home
to his study at the church became too
ness of the ladies Of the church a room
was provided last summer in the
church, where he could be near his
work and his books.
The final severe attack dates back
about six or seven weeks. From that
time his decline has been most rapid
Alone in his rooms in the study he
faced approaching death day after day.
night after night, yet never waverec
preached about four weeks ago, wher
he preached a memorial address on the
centennial anniversary Of the birth OF
i James Martineau, one of the greatest
opponents of early Unitarianism.
His wife and daughter came to thu
church to attend him and everything
that medical science could do was furn
; ished. In spite of care and careful at
tention, tho, the end was slowly ap
preaching. Death came peacefully an(
easily to life which had been swee
and good and kind. g..
At Rev. Mr.. Simmons own reques
his body will be kept four days am
will then be cremated. The congrega
ton will take charge Of the memorial
services and will see that everything
8 he wished is carried out. His man.
friends who have known and loved hir
for wears have expected the end, bu
are not less grleved. @<..-. ~
...-" Of Puritan Ancestry.
Henry Martyr Simmons was born &
Paris Hill, Oneida county, New Yorl
ii Aug. 20, 1S41. His father was Phil
Simmons a farmer and tanner OF o.
j Puritan stock, descended from John an
Priscilla Alden thru their oldest chill
Elizabeth, said to have been the frs
white child born in New England. Fl
| mother was Miranda Head, also d.
scended from an old family.
IS His earlier education at the d1strl
school at Paris Hill was supplements
by preparatory work in the academy
Il Cazenovia, N. Y, and at Utica, Where I
prepared for college. He then entere
I: Hamilton college at Clinton, N. y, Whel
o he was graduated in 1864.
VI and college days occurred while he W.
q a student at Hamilton. The professor
q German was inclined to bear down tt
y heavily on his classes and finally the st'
g dents. Mr.. Simmons among them, open
y reyolted The faculty retaliated and
b commenceme Mr.. Simmons, who W;
" at the head of his class and who shou
have been valedictorian, was deposed al
r, the place given to a classmate. ELI
s Root. former attorney general und
d president Mckinley. Mr.. Simmons w
[ allowed to be salutator
l. There is little doubt that life at Hami
f ton was in every way pleasant to t
g naturally studious boy. This little upp
n New York college at that time was ri
in history and achievements, and the
is little doubt that the atmosphere OF t
college made itself felt.
L Leaving Hamilton college, he studio
II theology at Auburn Theological semina
at Auburn, N. Y, where he was grad
+. ated in 1868. The same year he was ma
s. ried to Florence A. Head
Trained as Presbyterian.
or He had prepared himself for the Pre-
s.; byteriaf ministry and in September list
y he accepted a call from a church of tn