The Simonton Brothers: Prominent Planters and Slaveholders in Texas (unknown–unknown)
Published: June 1, 1995
The brothers James (1822–1892) and Theophilus (1827–1867) Simonton, natives of North Carolina, were prominent Fort Bend County planters and among the largest slaveholders in Texas. By 1860 they owned 105 slaves in partnership. That same year the brothers had real property valued at $200,000 and personal property valued at $155,000. The 1860 census revealed that their plantation had 975 improved acres that produced 11,000 bushels of corn and 600 bales of cotton. Theophilus Simonton died by February 2, 1867, the date on which his will was probated. Although he had lost his slaves by the time of his death, his estate was valued at $1,311,010, a considerable sum by the standards of Reconstruction Texas. James died before June 2, 1892, when his will was probated. His estate was valued at $9,014 at that time.
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The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.
Stephen L. Hardin, “Simonton Brothers,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed March 09, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/simonton-brothers.
Published by the Texas State Historical Association.
TID:
FSI36
- June 1, 1995
