"An Illustrated history of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties : with a
brief outline of the early history of the state of Oregon." Chicago?: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1902.  Page 303.  Baker County.

FREDERICK and MARY J. SIMONIS

     To these worthy and faithful pioneers and substantial citizens of this
county we are pleased to accord a representation in this volume, since their
labors have been instrumental in developing this region and they have been in
the lead in promoting the welfare of the county's interest in the long years in
which they have been domiciled within its boarders.
     Mr. Simonis was born in New Jersey, being the son of Matthias and Mary
(Grouse) Simonis, natives of Germany.  Mrs. Simonis is the daughter of Alexander
and Elizabeth (Baker) Furgason, natives of Canada, who came to the United States
and settled in Eagle valley, where they are both buried now.  The marriage of
our subjects occurred in 1863, and then they set out on one of the most unique
wedding journeys that is in the history of our country, namely crossing the
plains from the central states to the Pacific coast with ox teams.  Youth and
energy were potent to keep their spirits bright as they steadily pursued their
course toward the setting sun in search of a home for the days to come.  Without
special incident, they landed in this state and industriously set about carving
out for themselves a home and fortune in its boundless resources.  In 1874 they
came to Eagle valley and settled where the widow is residing to-day.  At the age
of forty-eight, on May 6, 1889, the beloved husband was called to depart this
life and in sorrow the widow took up the burdens that fell upon her.  Mr.
Simonis was very prominent in the county affairs and had served the people very
acceptably as surveyor for the county for a number of years.  He had also given
of his time and talent to the promotion of good schools, serving as director for
a long time.
     The children of this worthy couple are as follows:  Mary, who died at the
age of twenty; Frederick, married; Matthias, married; Louis, married; James, at
home; Joseph, still on the home farm; Leander, at home; Edward, at home; Anna,
married; Ella, married; John, who died at the age of sixteen; Alexander, at
home; Leo, who died at the age of thirteen.  At the present time Mrs. Simonis is
carrying on the affairs of the old homestead and is highly esteemed by all who
know her as a faithful and exemplary Christian and wise woman.

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in September 2005 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.