SIMKINS, Hezekiah

NAME: Hezekiah Simkins COUNTY: Maricopa STATE: AZ NEWSPAPER: Arizona Republican NAME: December 27, 1916 WELL KNOWN PIONEER GOES TO HIS REWARD In the death Hezekiah Simpkins, which occurred at his home at Lehi on Christmas night, the citizens of the communities of Mesa and Lehi lost one of the best loved and most highly respected residents of the valley. Mr. Simpkins was a pioneer in Arizona, having removed to Lehi in 1882. He was born in England and was 81 years of age. His death was the peaceful passing away of old age, for he sunk to sleep as calmly as an infant on its mother's breast. He left a widow, two sons, Chas. W. and R. Wiley Simpkins, a daughter, Mrs. Vet Nelson, and another daughter who lives in Idaho. The aged pioneer was among the early frontier men of the west. He was of the original battalion of Mormons who crossed the mountains in 1846 and was one of the early discoverers of gold in California. He drove a stage on opposite shifts with Buffalo Bill between the Missouri river and Denver. The funeral service will be held at the Lehi church at 10:30 today. Meanwhile the hundreds who knew and loved him, mourn the removal of a loving husband, kind father, and honored citizen. Submitted by Kathie Marynik