NAMESAKE OF SIMSBORO, LOUISIANA
Compiled and Maintained by Dr. James F. Moshinskie
Great-great-great-grandson of James Monroe Sims, Sr.
Please contact me at: [email protected]
_______________________________________________________________________________
James Monroe Sims was born February 17, 1816 in Jones County, Georgia to William Sims (1792-1864) and Elizabeth Milner (1797-1859).
His father was a farmer of moderate means, and as the boy grew up he learned his father's occupation. He attended only the common schools as a child. When a young man he married Sarah Jane Wynn.
In 1846, Sims decided that the Georgia land was quite overworked and worn out and desirng to cultivate a fresh country, he moved to Louisiana. Sims settled first in East Feliciana Parish but only rented a farm there as he did not like that part of the country.
The Move to North Louisiana
In 1849, he moved on to Bienville Parish and settled in what is now the town of Simsboro. Much of this land he entered from the Government as that part of the state was very sparsely settled. It was pratically all wild timberland in which deer and other animals ran wild.
Young Sims started farming and soon built a fine house but did not get it furnished before Civil War broke out. Sims could not go to war because he had trouble with his eyes. He stayed at the home and helped neighboring widows care for their farms until the close of war.
With the proclaiming of emancipation, Mr. Sims freed his slaves. Most of them, however, stayed with him, feeling that they would rather remain with him than go with the Yankees. Many of their ancestors would settle in Grambling, Louisiana, between Ruston and Simsboro.
When the war was over, Sims set up three mills, a corn mill, a wheat mill, and a saw mill. Also, he built a store which he managed. Along with this he kept up his large farm.
Sarah died suddenly May 4, 1866 (immediately after the Civil War), too soon to really enjoy the newly furnished house which he had arranged for her. Her death occurred while Mr. Sims was on one of his frequent buying trips to New Orleans, La, and his wife was buried before his return. Family lore says when Sims arrived on horseback to his wife's fresh grave, he fell from the horse, collapsed on the ground, and wept bitterly.
On October 9, 1867, the home had a new mistress with his marriage to Mrs. Josephine Elizabeth Mizell. Her first husband was a soldier killed in the Civil War. Their first child, James M. Sims Jr., was born in 1868. He was followed by four more children: two girls and two boys.
A Small Community Emerges
The Sims estate gradually became the center of activity. People from 75 miles around came to the Sims mills to bring their corn and wheat to be ground. It was here that elections were held and all communty events took place. A small settlement grew up here and was eventually called "Simsboro" in his honor.
In his prime James Monroe Sims was a handsome figure of a man having blue eyes and blond hair, was of fair complexion, and his normal weight about 225 pounds.
Sims was a great lover of animals and took the greatest pride in his fine horses. For some time he had a park in which he raised deer. The park was a huge affair protected by a "stake and rider" fence. In this park he protected and cared for many deer since they were fast being killed out in the woods.
His favorite sport was hunting. This was the most important recreation of the men of this section at that time.
Mr. Sims was a devoted husband and father. He was of a business-like disposition, high tempered it is true, but kind, full of energy, thrifty and firm, and was listed in one resource as "a successful man in every way."
He was a member of the Baptist church. Though he may not have been a exceedingly spirtually-minded man, in a way, he always gave liberally to the Church and always attended regularly. He was a strong believer in education and gave his children the best that could be had.
He was the leading agriculturalist in the surrounding country and believed in having the best of everything. His stock was of the finest, his table groaned with the choicest foods. He thought the farm should be self-supporting, and he raised almost everything he used on his farm.
The entire community depended on Sims as their leader. He loaned the people money, gave them lumber with which to build their houses, helped them through all their difficulties, and was a much admired and respected man.
The Death of James Monroe Sims
On September 22, 1878, Mr. Sims died. He was not an old man, only 62 years old, but he had been ailing for some time and his death was not unexpected. Mr. Sims was buried in the small Sims family cemetery near their home, next to his first wife.
The other two graves are those of two of his grandchildren, James M. Sims, Jr., son of W.R. and Maggie Sims, born Oct. 24, 1866 and died Nov. 20, 1866, only 28 days old, and William Monroe Sims, son of W.R. and Maggie Sims, born Dec. 26, 1878 and died July 8, 1889, at the age of 11. After Mr. Sims died, his wife Elizabeth, or Betty as she was known, carried on the farm and businesses with the help of her sons.
Please look at all of the pictures on this site for additional information about the Sims family and Simsboro, Louisiana.
SOURCES:
Sims Home Marker Dedication, The Ruston Daily Leader, Wednesday, June 27, 1979.
History of Simsboro, Louisiana, prepared by Simsboro Lodge No. 235, F. & A. M., for special meeting, October 13, 1962, R.L. Waldron, W.M.; H.J. Hyatt, P.M.; E.L. Waldron, P.M.; and Mode Choate, Jr., P.M.
An unpublished Thesis compiled on James Monroe Sims, and kept by Floyd English Phillips, his grandson, in the top drawer of his golden oak roll top desk, now in possession of Dr. James F. Moshinskie, Waco, Texas, great-great-grandson of James Monroe Sims.
Personal interview with James Monroe Sims, of Arcadia, La., the grandson of James Monroe Sims, Sr., on November 25, 1985 at the Sims Cemetery, Simsboro, La. James was a longtime proud family historian who recalled everything about Sims family history and lore. This researcher subsequently spent much time with James, and we considered each other as "Cousins".
Compiled and Maintained by Dr. James F. Moshinskie
Great-great-great-grandson of James Monroe Sims, Sr.
Please contact me at: [email protected]
_______________________________________________________________________________
James Monroe Sims was born February 17, 1816 in Jones County, Georgia to William Sims (1792-1864) and Elizabeth Milner (1797-1859).
His father was a farmer of moderate means, and as the boy grew up he learned his father's occupation. He attended only the common schools as a child. When a young man he married Sarah Jane Wynn.
In 1846, Sims decided that the Georgia land was quite overworked and worn out and desirng to cultivate a fresh country, he moved to Louisiana. Sims settled first in East Feliciana Parish but only rented a farm there as he did not like that part of the country.
The Move to North Louisiana
In 1849, he moved on to Bienville Parish and settled in what is now the town of Simsboro. Much of this land he entered from the Government as that part of the state was very sparsely settled. It was pratically all wild timberland in which deer and other animals ran wild.
Young Sims started farming and soon built a fine house but did not get it furnished before Civil War broke out. Sims could not go to war because he had trouble with his eyes. He stayed at the home and helped neighboring widows care for their farms until the close of war.
With the proclaiming of emancipation, Mr. Sims freed his slaves. Most of them, however, stayed with him, feeling that they would rather remain with him than go with the Yankees. Many of their ancestors would settle in Grambling, Louisiana, between Ruston and Simsboro.
When the war was over, Sims set up three mills, a corn mill, a wheat mill, and a saw mill. Also, he built a store which he managed. Along with this he kept up his large farm.
Sarah died suddenly May 4, 1866 (immediately after the Civil War), too soon to really enjoy the newly furnished house which he had arranged for her. Her death occurred while Mr. Sims was on one of his frequent buying trips to New Orleans, La, and his wife was buried before his return. Family lore says when Sims arrived on horseback to his wife's fresh grave, he fell from the horse, collapsed on the ground, and wept bitterly.
On October 9, 1867, the home had a new mistress with his marriage to Mrs. Josephine Elizabeth Mizell. Her first husband was a soldier killed in the Civil War. Their first child, James M. Sims Jr., was born in 1868. He was followed by four more children: two girls and two boys.
A Small Community Emerges
The Sims estate gradually became the center of activity. People from 75 miles around came to the Sims mills to bring their corn and wheat to be ground. It was here that elections were held and all communty events took place. A small settlement grew up here and was eventually called "Simsboro" in his honor.
In his prime James Monroe Sims was a handsome figure of a man having blue eyes and blond hair, was of fair complexion, and his normal weight about 225 pounds.
Sims was a great lover of animals and took the greatest pride in his fine horses. For some time he had a park in which he raised deer. The park was a huge affair protected by a "stake and rider" fence. In this park he protected and cared for many deer since they were fast being killed out in the woods.
His favorite sport was hunting. This was the most important recreation of the men of this section at that time.
Mr. Sims was a devoted husband and father. He was of a business-like disposition, high tempered it is true, but kind, full of energy, thrifty and firm, and was listed in one resource as "a successful man in every way."
He was a member of the Baptist church. Though he may not have been a exceedingly spirtually-minded man, in a way, he always gave liberally to the Church and always attended regularly. He was a strong believer in education and gave his children the best that could be had.
He was the leading agriculturalist in the surrounding country and believed in having the best of everything. His stock was of the finest, his table groaned with the choicest foods. He thought the farm should be self-supporting, and he raised almost everything he used on his farm.
The entire community depended on Sims as their leader. He loaned the people money, gave them lumber with which to build their houses, helped them through all their difficulties, and was a much admired and respected man.
The Death of James Monroe Sims
On September 22, 1878, Mr. Sims died. He was not an old man, only 62 years old, but he had been ailing for some time and his death was not unexpected. Mr. Sims was buried in the small Sims family cemetery near their home, next to his first wife.
The other two graves are those of two of his grandchildren, James M. Sims, Jr., son of W.R. and Maggie Sims, born Oct. 24, 1866 and died Nov. 20, 1866, only 28 days old, and William Monroe Sims, son of W.R. and Maggie Sims, born Dec. 26, 1878 and died July 8, 1889, at the age of 11. After Mr. Sims died, his wife Elizabeth, or Betty as she was known, carried on the farm and businesses with the help of her sons.
Please look at all of the pictures on this site for additional information about the Sims family and Simsboro, Louisiana.
SOURCES:
Sims Home Marker Dedication, The Ruston Daily Leader, Wednesday, June 27, 1979.
History of Simsboro, Louisiana, prepared by Simsboro Lodge No. 235, F. & A. M., for special meeting, October 13, 1962, R.L. Waldron, W.M.; H.J. Hyatt, P.M.; E.L. Waldron, P.M.; and Mode Choate, Jr., P.M.
An unpublished Thesis compiled on James Monroe Sims, and kept by Floyd English Phillips, his grandson, in the top drawer of his golden oak roll top desk, now in possession of Dr. James F. Moshinskie, Waco, Texas, great-great-grandson of James Monroe Sims.
Personal interview with James Monroe Sims, of Arcadia, La., the grandson of James Monroe Sims, Sr., on November 25, 1985 at the Sims Cemetery, Simsboro, La. James was a longtime proud family historian who recalled everything about Sims family history and lore. This researcher subsequently spent much time with James, and we considered each other as "Cousins".
NAMESAKE OF SIMSBORO, LOUISIANA
Compiled and Maintained by Dr. James F. Moshinskie
Great-great-great-grandson of James Monroe Sims, Sr.
Please contact me at: [email protected]
_______________________________________________________________________________
James Monroe Sims was born February 17, 1816 in Jones County, Georgia to William Sims (1792-1864) and Elizabeth Milner (1797-1859).
His father was a farmer of moderate means, and as the boy grew up he learned his father's occupation. He attended only the common schools as a child. When a young man he married Sarah Jane Wynn.
In 1846, Sims decided that the Georgia land was quite overworked and worn out and desirng to cultivate a fresh country, he moved to Louisiana. Sims settled first in East Feliciana Parish but only rented a farm there as he did not like that part of the country.
The Move to North Louisiana
In 1849, he moved on to Bienville Parish and settled in what is now the town of Simsboro. Much of this land he entered from the Government as that part of the state was very sparsely settled. It was pratically all wild timberland in which deer and other animals ran wild.
Young Sims started farming and soon built a fine house but did not get it furnished before Civil War broke out. Sims could not go to war because he had trouble with his eyes. He stayed at the home and helped neighboring widows care for their farms until the close of war.
With the proclaiming of emancipation, Mr. Sims freed his slaves. Most of them, however, stayed with him, feeling that they would rather remain with him than go with the Yankees. Many of their ancestors would settle in Grambling, Louisiana, between Ruston and Simsboro.
When the war was over, Sims set up three mills, a corn mill, a wheat mill, and a saw mill. Also, he built a store which he managed. Along with this he kept up his large farm.
Sarah died suddenly May 4, 1866 (immediately after the Civil War), too soon to really enjoy the newly furnished house which he had arranged for her. Her death occurred while Mr. Sims was on one of his frequent buying trips to New Orleans, La, and his wife was buried before his return. Family lore says when Sims arrived on horseback to his wife's fresh grave, he fell from the horse, collapsed on the ground, and wept bitterly.
On October 9, 1867, the home had a new mistress with his marriage to Mrs. Josephine Elizabeth Mizell. Her first husband was a soldier killed in the Civil War. Their first child, James M. Sims Jr., was born in 1868. He was followed by four more children: two girls and two boys.
A Small Community Emerges
The Sims estate gradually became the center of activity. People from 75 miles around came to the Sims mills to bring their corn and wheat to be ground. It was here that elections were held and all communty events took place. A small settlement grew up here and was eventually called "Simsboro" in his honor.
In his prime James Monroe Sims was a handsome figure of a man having blue eyes and blond hair, was of fair complexion, and his normal weight about 225 pounds.
Sims was a great lover of animals and took the greatest pride in his fine horses. For some time he had a park in which he raised deer. The park was a huge affair protected by a "stake and rider" fence. In this park he protected and cared for many deer since they were fast being killed out in the woods.
His favorite sport was hunting. This was the most important recreation of the men of this section at that time.
Mr. Sims was a devoted husband and father. He was of a business-like disposition, high tempered it is true, but kind, full of energy, thrifty and firm, and was listed in one resource as "a successful man in every way."
He was a member of the Baptist church. Though he may not have been a exceedingly spirtually-minded man, in a way, he always gave liberally to the Church and always attended regularly. He was a strong believer in education and gave his children the best that could be had.
He was the leading agriculturalist in the surrounding country and believed in having the best of everything. His stock was of the finest, his table groaned with the choicest foods. He thought the farm should be self-supporting, and he raised almost everything he used on his farm.
The entire community depended on Sims as their leader. He loaned the people money, gave them lumber with which to build their houses, helped them through all their difficulties, and was a much admired and respected man.
The Death of James Monroe Sims
On September 22, 1878, Mr. Sims died. He was not an old man, only 62 years old, but he had been ailing for some time and his death was not unexpected. Mr. Sims was buried in the small Sims family cemetery near their home, next to his first wife.
The other two graves are those of two of his grandchildren, James M. Sims, Jr., son of W.R. and Maggie Sims, born Oct. 24, 1866 and died Nov. 20, 1866, only 28 days old, and William Monroe Sims, son of W.R. and Maggie Sims, born Dec. 26, 1878 and died July 8, 1889, at the age of 11. After Mr. Sims died, his wife Elizabeth, or Betty as she was known, carried on the farm and businesses with the help of her sons.
Please look at all of the pictures on this site for additional information about the Sims family and Simsboro, Louisiana.
SOURCES:
Sims Home Marker Dedication, The Ruston Daily Leader, Wednesday, June 27, 1979.
History of Simsboro, Louisiana, prepared by Simsboro Lodge No. 235, F. & A. M., for special meeting, October 13, 1962, R.L. Waldron, W.M.; H.J. Hyatt, P.M.; E.L. Waldron, P.M.; and Mode Choate, Jr., P.M.
An unpublished Thesis compiled on James Monroe Sims, and kept by Floyd English Phillips, his grandson, in the top drawer of his golden oak roll top desk, now in possession of Dr. James F. Moshinskie, Waco, Texas, great-great-grandson of James Monroe Sims.
Personal interview with James Monroe Sims, of Arcadia, La., the grandson of James Monroe Sims, Sr., on November 25, 1985 at the Sims Cemetery, Simsboro, La. James was a longtime proud family historian who recalled everything about Sims family history and lore. This researcher subsequently spent much time with James, and we considered each other as "Cousins".
Compiled and Maintained by Dr. James F. Moshinskie
Great-great-great-grandson of James Monroe Sims, Sr.
Please contact me at: [email protected]
_______________________________________________________________________________
James Monroe Sims was born February 17, 1816 in Jones County, Georgia to William Sims (1792-1864) and Elizabeth Milner (1797-1859).
His father was a farmer of moderate means, and as the boy grew up he learned his father's occupation. He attended only the common schools as a child. When a young man he married Sarah Jane Wynn.
In 1846, Sims decided that the Georgia land was quite overworked and worn out and desirng to cultivate a fresh country, he moved to Louisiana. Sims settled first in East Feliciana Parish but only rented a farm there as he did not like that part of the country.
The Move to North Louisiana
In 1849, he moved on to Bienville Parish and settled in what is now the town of Simsboro. Much of this land he entered from the Government as that part of the state was very sparsely settled. It was pratically all wild timberland in which deer and other animals ran wild.
Young Sims started farming and soon built a fine house but did not get it furnished before Civil War broke out. Sims could not go to war because he had trouble with his eyes. He stayed at the home and helped neighboring widows care for their farms until the close of war.
With the proclaiming of emancipation, Mr. Sims freed his slaves. Most of them, however, stayed with him, feeling that they would rather remain with him than go with the Yankees. Many of their ancestors would settle in Grambling, Louisiana, between Ruston and Simsboro.
When the war was over, Sims set up three mills, a corn mill, a wheat mill, and a saw mill. Also, he built a store which he managed. Along with this he kept up his large farm.
Sarah died suddenly May 4, 1866 (immediately after the Civil War), too soon to really enjoy the newly furnished house which he had arranged for her. Her death occurred while Mr. Sims was on one of his frequent buying trips to New Orleans, La, and his wife was buried before his return. Family lore says when Sims arrived on horseback to his wife's fresh grave, he fell from the horse, collapsed on the ground, and wept bitterly.
On October 9, 1867, the home had a new mistress with his marriage to Mrs. Josephine Elizabeth Mizell. Her first husband was a soldier killed in the Civil War. Their first child, James M. Sims Jr., was born in 1868. He was followed by four more children: two girls and two boys.
A Small Community Emerges
The Sims estate gradually became the center of activity. People from 75 miles around came to the Sims mills to bring their corn and wheat to be ground. It was here that elections were held and all communty events took place. A small settlement grew up here and was eventually called "Simsboro" in his honor.
In his prime James Monroe Sims was a handsome figure of a man having blue eyes and blond hair, was of fair complexion, and his normal weight about 225 pounds.
Sims was a great lover of animals and took the greatest pride in his fine horses. For some time he had a park in which he raised deer. The park was a huge affair protected by a "stake and rider" fence. In this park he protected and cared for many deer since they were fast being killed out in the woods.
His favorite sport was hunting. This was the most important recreation of the men of this section at that time.
Mr. Sims was a devoted husband and father. He was of a business-like disposition, high tempered it is true, but kind, full of energy, thrifty and firm, and was listed in one resource as "a successful man in every way."
He was a member of the Baptist church. Though he may not have been a exceedingly spirtually-minded man, in a way, he always gave liberally to the Church and always attended regularly. He was a strong believer in education and gave his children the best that could be had.
He was the leading agriculturalist in the surrounding country and believed in having the best of everything. His stock was of the finest, his table groaned with the choicest foods. He thought the farm should be self-supporting, and he raised almost everything he used on his farm.
The entire community depended on Sims as their leader. He loaned the people money, gave them lumber with which to build their houses, helped them through all their difficulties, and was a much admired and respected man.
The Death of James Monroe Sims
On September 22, 1878, Mr. Sims died. He was not an old man, only 62 years old, but he had been ailing for some time and his death was not unexpected. Mr. Sims was buried in the small Sims family cemetery near their home, next to his first wife.
The other two graves are those of two of his grandchildren, James M. Sims, Jr., son of W.R. and Maggie Sims, born Oct. 24, 1866 and died Nov. 20, 1866, only 28 days old, and William Monroe Sims, son of W.R. and Maggie Sims, born Dec. 26, 1878 and died July 8, 1889, at the age of 11. After Mr. Sims died, his wife Elizabeth, or Betty as she was known, carried on the farm and businesses with the help of her sons.
Please look at all of the pictures on this site for additional information about the Sims family and Simsboro, Louisiana.
SOURCES:
Sims Home Marker Dedication, The Ruston Daily Leader, Wednesday, June 27, 1979.
History of Simsboro, Louisiana, prepared by Simsboro Lodge No. 235, F. & A. M., for special meeting, October 13, 1962, R.L. Waldron, W.M.; H.J. Hyatt, P.M.; E.L. Waldron, P.M.; and Mode Choate, Jr., P.M.
An unpublished Thesis compiled on James Monroe Sims, and kept by Floyd English Phillips, his grandson, in the top drawer of his golden oak roll top desk, now in possession of Dr. James F. Moshinskie, Waco, Texas, great-great-grandson of James Monroe Sims.
Personal interview with James Monroe Sims, of Arcadia, La., the grandson of James Monroe Sims, Sr., on November 25, 1985 at the Sims Cemetery, Simsboro, La. James was a longtime proud family historian who recalled everything about Sims family history and lore. This researcher subsequently spent much time with James, and we considered each other as "Cousins".
Family Members
Siblings
