Simerly, Clarence G.

Clarence G. Simerly, born in Carter County, Tennessee, on June 28, 1886, became a successful rancher and stockman in Fresno County, California. As the oldest living son of Judge J. B. Simerly, he moved with his parents to California in May 1902 and spent his youth assisting on his father farm near Laton. Through industrious work and thrift, he saved enough money by 1909 to purchase his own well improved forty-six acre ranch on Bellevue Avenue, northwest of Laton. His lineage includes influential Tennessee ancestors who supported the Union, as well as four brothers who served in the recent World War.

In 1910, Clarence G. Simerly married Miss Jessie Prather, the daughter of James and Laura Prather. Together, they established a good home on their ranch and raised three children named Clarence Jean, Edith L. Vine, and James Bell. He and his wife earned high esteem within their local community through their active life and involvement. His story highlights the dedication, physical strength, and patriotism that characterized early twentieth century ranchers in the Laton area.