California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


 JOHN H. SIMONSON. In financial and political circles John H. Simonson, of Merced, is an active 
and important factor. Public spirited and progressive, he has served the county with efficiency 
and fidelity in various official positions, and is now carrying on a substantial business as head of 
the well-known firm of Simonson & Harrell, dealers in real estate, and insurance agents. A 
native of Germany, he was born November 6, 1850, near Hamburg, the same province in which 
the birth of his father, Jasper Simonson, also occurred. 

Having served an apprenticeship to a cabinetmaker, Jasper Simonson followed his trade near 
Hamburg for a few years. Emigrating with his family to this country in 1857, ne settled in 
Minnesota, buying land in New Ulm, where he was engaged in farming for a year. Removing to 
Marine Mills, Minn., in 1858, he followed his trade in that city until his death. His wife, whose 
maiden name was Anna Maria Clausen, was born near Hamburg, Germany, and died in 
Minnesota. Of the six children born of their union, but two are living, John H., the youngest 
child, being the only one in California. 

Obtaining his early education principally in the public schools of Marine Mills, Minn., John H. 
Simonson began life as a wage-earner at the age of thirteen years, becoming clerk in a general 
store. Later being promoted to the position of bookkeeper, he remained with the firm until 
1876. Coming to Merced, Cal., in the fall of that year, he accepted a similar position in the 
mercantile house of Simon, Jacobs & Co., general merchants, and continued as bookkeeper for 
two and one-half years. In 1879 Mr. Simonson was the Republican nominee for county clerk, 
and being elected served for two years, from March, 1880, but on account of the new 
constitution, which went into effect in 1880, his term was extended until January, 1883. Being 
twice reelected, he served for four years more, until January, 1887, giving satisfaction to all 
concerned. Subsequently embarking in the real estate and abstract business, Mr. Simonson 
compiled and completed a full set of abstract books. In 1890 he was nominated on the 
Republican ticket for county assessor for a term of four years, was elected, and at the 
expiration of his term was re-elected for another four years. In this position he served 
acceptably from January, 1891, until January, 1899, but in the fall campaign of 1898 was not a 
candidate for re-election. Resuming his former business, he has since been busily employed as 
an abstracter, and a dealer in real estate, as senior member of the firm of Simonson & Harrell, 
handling both city and country property. He is also engaged in the insurance business, 
representing several of the old-line insurance companies. 

Mr. Simonson married, in Merced, Jessie B. Stoddard, who was born in Calaveras county, Cal., 
where her father, E. M. Stoddard, was an early settler, and they have one child, Stanley 
Simonson. Mr. Simonson is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and has done much 
to promote the good of this order. He was made a Mason at St. John's Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M., 
at Stillwater, Minn., where he is still a member; was demitted from Stillwater Chapter, and now 
belongs to Merced Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., in which he has served as high priest; at Sonora, 
Cal, united with Pacific Coast Commandery, No. 3, K. T., and now belongs to Fresno 
Commandery No. 29, K. T. ; and is a member of Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also a 
member, and past chancellor, of the Knights of Pythias, and formerly belonged to the Uniform 
Rank, K. P. In his political views he is a Republican, and is a member of the Republican County 
Central Committee.