The students of the Radical University: Benjamin Simmons

Benjamin Simmons Jr. (b. Abt. 1853)
South Carolina.  Black.
Occupation: legislator.

Benjamin Simmons was born in Beaufort, South Carolina to unknown parents. He first appears in the historical record as a student at Howard University during the 1869-1870 academic year (when Simmons was about 17 years old). He was student in the Model School. The Model School offer coursework that prepared students for the college preparatory classes. Simmons left Howard after his first year.

By 1874, Simmons had returned to South Carolina. On November 28, he registered as a student at the University of South Carolina. He was a scholarship student and entered into the sub freshman (or college preparatory) class. He had left the university by January 1876.

Simmons was active in politics. He represented Beaufort County in the state House of Representatives from 1875-76, 1878-80.  After his first term in the House (in January 1877), he was appointed trial justice for Bluffton in Beaufort County, South Carolina.  However, he was appointed by Daniel H. Chamberlain, and while Chamberlain claimed to have been elected as governor in December 1876, this was disputed by his Democratic opponent.  Consequently some questioned Simmons's authority.  For example, in February 1877, Simmons issued a warrant for a man's arrest.  The man refused to acknowledge Simmons' authority, and the arresting constable had to form a ten-man posse to take him into custody.

Simmons was assaulted in Blufton in 1877. In August, newspapers reported that Simmons had been madly cut in a "melee" with boy (Manning Fields). Simmons was cut three times, and his wounds were considered "dangerous" but not fatal. His attacker was arrested but within a week had escaped to Savannah, Georgia. 

There is no record of Simmons's activities after his term of office ended in 1880.

Sources
1). 1870; Census Place: East of Seventh Street, Washington, District of Columbia; Roll: M593_127; Page: 664B.

2). 1880; Census Place: Bluffton, Beaufort, South Carolina; Roll: 1221; Page: 115C

3). Foner, Eric.  Freedom's Lawmakers: A Directory of Black Officeholders during Reconstruction.  Oxford University Press, New York.  1993.

4). "Local Items". The Beaufort Tribune and Port Royal Commercial.  August 2, 1877.  p. 3.

5). "Local Items". The Beaufort Tribune and Port Royal Commercial.  February 15, 1877.  p. 3.

5). "Local Items". The Beaufort Tribune and Port Royal Commercial.  January 18, 1877.  p. 3.

6). "County Convention." Port Royal standard and commercial, April 6, 1876, p. 2