June 13, 2025
Woodrow “Jay” Simmons RIP
Just last week, I received the sad news that my good friend and Moorefield resident Jay Simmons passed away. I knew Jay for at least 30 years. I first met him when he contacted me about a Civil War story that I had written for the Morgan Messenger.
Since that time, Jay and I collaborated on many historical projects. I live near Hedgesville and whenever I needed help finding an obscure book, diary, document, or letter from up that way, he was always there to lend a hand. In fact, two of my books, Imboden’s Brigade in the Gettysburg and Phantoms of the South Fork benefited greatly from his impeccable research.
We had great times spending countless hours traveling the backroads of Grant, Hardy, Hampshire, Mineral, and Pendleton looking for old graveyards, traces of roads, Civil War skirmish sites, etc. Unfortunately, those days are over.
In closing, Jay’s research and writings were a great service to those who love local history. He really helped to bring the events and people of the past back to life. I and his other friends will miss him greatly.
Thanks,
Steve French
