Written by Harry Chase about 2012. Source: FamilySearch profile of Dr. Isham C. Simmons

The Baptist church, the Democratic party, rural medicine and progressive
farming are only four of the historical themes that bid together the generations who
have lived and worked at the Chatata Valley Heritage Farm. The property dates to
1839 when John and Amelia Neil Simmons purchased 640 acres located eight
miles northeast of Cleveland. The farm produced corn, vegetables, forage, geese,
horses, mules, cattle and poultry. Simmons also owned a grist mill, brick kiln and
blacksmith shop and served the community as a physician and a Baptist preacher.
Of all the Century Farm founders, Simmons perhaps enjoyed the most versatile
career.

The founders were the parents of seven children, and their son Dr. Isham C.
Simmons inherited 260 acres in 1859. Issac was a charter member of the Bradley
County Medical Society. A Democrat in politics and a Baptist in religion, Dr.
Simmons also helped to establish the Chatata Academy. Married to Rebecca Ann
Julian, he fathered four children.

Isham Simmons also was a profitable farmer. The family farm survived the
Civil War without major losses and in the Reconstruction period, a family of former
slaves stayed on the farm and helped the Simmons clear new pasture. The farm’s
products included cotton, corn, fruit, mules, cattle and poultry.

Frank Simmons inherited 92 acres of the family farm in 1920. Like his father,
Frank managed a diversified farm operation with dairy cattle, mules, horses, swine
and poultry in addition to growing cotton, legumes, wheat, corn and various hays. A
typical modern farmer of the early twentieth century, Frank reclaimed new land for
agriculture and instituted scientific farming procedures. He also maintained the
family tradition of being a strong Democratic and Baptist leader in the community
while, at the same time, playing important roles in several farm organizations.

Frank and his wife Emma Baldwin had six children. Their daughter Ann
Louise and her husband Harry Theodore Chase, Sr., inherited the property in 1945.
Owning over 600 acres, the Chases grow legumes, grain and hay and raise beef
cattle. The family’s agricultural improvements, however, have not obscured the
farm’s history; two buildings from its past-a church and a log barn-remain on the
property