The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Union Township, page 731
Joab Simmons was born in Shelby County, Ind., June 7, 1834, a son of Augustus and Margaret Simmons. When he was nine years old his mother died and his father subsequently married Catherine Thompson. He was reared in his native county, and was there married in February, 1857, to Rachel Sexton, a native of the same county. To them were born three children, but two of whom are living--Mary A. and Viola. Mr. Simmons owns a pleasant home in Union Township, his farm containing 108 acres of well-improved land. He in politics is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mr. Simmons was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving from March till July, 1865, a member of Company D, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry.