Page:History of Goodhue County, Minnesota.djvu/45

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY 17 stores in the city. Thus equipped, Mr. Simmons started a mer- cantile establishment of his own, and continued in business many- years, being also a wholesale grain dealer on a large scale, his elevators being located throughout the country. During this time the need of a financial institution was felt, and the Pierce- Simmons bank was organized, with Mr. Simmons as one of the chief promoters. In 1887, he retired from active business, and lived a retired life until his death, May 7, 1890. He was a Republican in politics, and a member of the Swedish Lutheran church. Thor K. Simmons was married June 25, 1858, at Cannon Falls, Minn., to Hannah S. Hawkins, of. that city, daughter of Nels and Eva (Carlstrom) Hawkins, natives of Sweden, who came to. America, located in Indiana for three years and then settled at Cannon Falls, where they resided until the 'time of their deaths, the father dying May 10, 1889, and the mother May 26, the same year. To Mr. and Mrs. Simmons were born nine children. Emma is now Mrs. AY. C Krise, of Red Wing. N. K. Simmons, the second child, lives in this city also, as does Eleda, now Mrs. (Rev.) 0. S. Meland. Eva. married to H. J. Brown, lives in Portland, Me. T. N. Simmons lives in Red Wing. Frances is Mrs. J. L. Keenan, of Hammond, La. Marie, now Mrs. H. Van Smith, lives in Oklahoma. Elvira is at home, and T. K. Simmons also lives in Oklahoma. The family is universally respec.ted, and enjoys the heritage of honor left by the father.