Biography - Edwin Sammons
CAPT. EDWIN T. SAMMONS, the genial and popular Postmaster of Hillsboro, Ill., and for many years a prominent builder and contractor of the township, was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., March 12, 1835. He was the youngest of a large family who were in moderate circumstances, and he was early taught the value of time and money. His father was by trade both tanner and miller. He was a resolute, capable man, anxious to provide for his children and gave them the benefit of the public schools.
John Sammons was, like his son, a native of New York State, but the blood of Old England coursed through his veins, as his forefathers were born and bred in the Queen's dominions. The mother of our subject was also of English descent, as her father, Benjamin Standring, was an Englishman by birth. He was a thorough machinist, and especially understood the manufacture of various machines for factory use, and built the first carding machine ever made in America. His home was in Bridgeport, Mass., in which place his daughter Emma was born.
Miss Emma was married to John Sammons in New York State. The young couple settled in Montgomery County, and were blessed with a large family of bright, healthy children. Six sons and five daughters came into the home and all grew up to adult age. Four brothers and three sisters are now left of the family group that once clustered around the fireside. The names of these children are: Benjamin, John C., Leonard, Edwin; Eliza, the widow of William Bedell; Mary F., the wife of John T. Maddux; and Catherine, widow of B. F. Hallock.
Edwin T. was only a little fellow when his parents removed to Lewis County, N. Y. Here Edwin attended school regularly through his boyhood. When about seventeen years of age he learned the trade of a carpenter, and having served a three years' apprenticeship determined to seek a more lucrative field of labor. June 14, 1854, was the date of his arrival in Hillsboro, Ill., where he soon found ready employment as a contractor and builder. Our subject steadily prospered in his new home, and on August 6, 1855, wedded Miss Elizabeth F. Boone, a native of the town and a general favorite with a large circle of friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Sammons have two living children, Mary and Ida, while their only son, Frank, is deceased. From the early part of 1854, our subject devoted himself untiringly to business, which he was rapidly extending, when, in 1862, the Government made its most earnest appeals for more volunteers. National existence was doubly imperiled, and our subject's patriotic heart echoed the nation's cry. He responded to his country's call without further delay, and enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry as a private. There were sad hearts in Hillsboro when this regiment marched away and was shortly after ordered to the front. Fathers, brothers, sons and neighbors from Montgomery and adjacent counties had enlisted under its banner and many never returned. Mr. Sammons participated in many a gallant engagement and in common with all the brave boys suffered privations, but he escaped the flying bullets of the enemy, the capture and the prison-pen. Fearless by nature and. prompt in action, he received well-deserved promotion, advancing steadily from the ranks, and served as Orderly Sergeant, Second Lieutenant, afterward First Lieutenant, and finally, in 1864, was promoted to the Captaincy of Company D, and was mustered out in 1865 at the head of the company.
The war ended, Capt. Sammons returned to his home and resumed business. Our subject wears the insignia of the Grand Army the bronze button many of which are seen all over the land, and his heart is as loyal and true as it was thirty years ago. Mr. Sammons is a Republican and was appointed Postmaster two years ago. The duties of his office have been discharged in a most acceptable manner, and he numbers his friends by the score.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 360-361.
