Contributed by Florence Fulford Moore
From the Elizabeth Moore Papers, Collection No. 322. East Carolina University Manuscript Collection, J.Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. Permission to publish has been granted.
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From Mrs. Nellie Whitfield Ulmer, Rt. 1, Demopolis, Ala. 36732
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Abraham Bussett Simmons Bible record
Abraham B. Simmons, son of John Simmons and Margret (Margaretta), his wife was born April 2, about 3 oclock at night 1737.
Rachel Simmons, his wife, was born March 25, 1737, dau. of William Lavender and Rachel Reman (name is also spelled as Roman).
February 28th day 1764, and in the 26 year of our age we was married, it being on Tuesday. In the light of God and before men by the Rev. James Reed (note: first rector of Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern, NC).
Mary Simmons, Daughter of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born Jan. 16th about 11 o’clock at night on Wednesday 1765.
Dove Simmons, daughter of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born March 1 about 10 in the morning on Tuesday 1766.
Laney Simmons, daughter of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born April 24th about 2 in the afternoon Friday 1767.
Lavender Simmons, son of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born January 19th about 5 in the morning on Thursday 1769.
Betsy Simmons, daughter of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born July 7th about 10 in the afternoon 1770.
Rezin Simmons, daughter of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born April 19th about 5 in the morning on Easter Sunday, 1772.
Boneta Simmons, daughter of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born May 16th about 11 in the morning on Monday 1774.
Liberty Bryan Simmons, son of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born July 14th about 6 in the morning on Sunday 1776, and in the first year of our independendence, and in the 3rd year of the glorious struggle for the Liberty by the help of God. (July 14 was the day also the parents heard of the Declaration of Independence)
July 26th departed this life, Liberty B. Simmons, at 13 days old on Friday about 8 in the afternoon, 1776.
July 4th a day to be remembered, Congress declared America independent.
Winefred, Daughter of A. B. Simmons and Rachel his wife, was born July 5th about 2 in the morning on Sunday 1778.
Rachel Simmons departed this life in the 48th year of her age on the 25th day of April 1784 on Sunday about 8 o’clock.
Rachel Reman mother to Rachel Simmons departed this life in the 83 or 84 year of her age on the 12 day of October 1784.
April 3rd in 1785 and in the 48 year of my age was married to Lucy Gunter and in the 44 year of her age, being on Sunday by Col. Harget, Esq.
Thomas Simmons, son of A. B. Simmons and Lucy his wife was born March 29th about 12 at night on Monday 1786.
Dove Simmons was married to Fred Foscue the 3rd day of February 1788 and is the 21 year of her age on Sunday by Mr. Whitly Esq.
Laney Simmons was married to (Israel) Zack Hathaway the 5th day of July 1789 and in the 25th year of her age on Tuesday by Col. Harget Esq.
Lucy Simmons, wife of A. B. Simmons departed this life in the 56 year of her age on the 26 day of May 1797 on Friday about 10 in the afternoon.
Lavender Simmons was married to Nancy Grimes the 28th August 1798 and in the 29 year of his age on Tuesday by Benjamin Lavender Esq.
December 16th day 1798 and in the 62 year of my age was married to Sarah Watson and in the 45 year of her age being on Sunday by Benjamin Lavender Esq.
Rezin Simmons was married to Wiley Gunter the 30 day of January 1800 and in the 28 year of her age on Thursday by James Smith Esq.
Winefred Simmons was married to Charles Westbrook the 27 day of February 1800 and in the 22 year of her age on Thursday by Lemuel Bird Esq.
Rezin Gunter wife of Wiley Gunter departed this life in the 29 year of her age on the 22d day of November 1800 (1801) on Saturday morning about 10 o’clock.
Sarah (Watson) Simmons wife of A. B. Simmons departed this life in the 52 year of her age on the 28th day of February 1805 on Thursday about 5 in the afternoon.
Abraham Bussett Simmons departed this life January 28th at nine oclock A. M. 1807 age 69 and nine months.
Thomas Simmons departed this life on the 28th December 1817, age 31 years and nine months.
Lavender Simmons departed this life the 2nd of March 1843 at 21 minutes after 10 oclock P. M. age 74 years, 1 month and 11 days.
Laney Shepherd departed this life 11 June 1846 about 2 in the evening, age 79 years, one month and 18 days.