Paul Simon (politician)

Birth Name: Paul Martin Simon

Date of Birth: November 29, 1928

Place of Birth: Eugene, Oregon, U.S.

Date of Death: December 9, 2003

Place of Death: Springfield, Illinois, U.S.

Ethnicity: German

Paul Simon was an American politician. A member of the Democratic party, he served as the 39th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, from January 13, 1969 to January 8, 1973, a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois, from January 3, 1975 to January 3, 1985, and a U.S. Senator from Illinois, from January 3, 1985 to January 3, 1997.

He was a candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for President of the United States in 1988.

Paul was the son of Ruth L. (Tolzmann) and The Rev. Martin Paul William Simon. His father was a Lutheran minister, and his parents both worked as Lutheran missionaries. His parents were both raised in German-speaking families. His mother was adopted by Sophia/Sophie (Moser) and Herman Julius Tolzmann.

He was married to politician Jeanne Hurley Simon, until her death. The couple had two children. He was married to Patricia Derge, until his death.

Paul’s paternal grandfather was Traugott Ferdinand Simon (the son of Traugott Ferdinand Simon and Wilhelmina/Wilhelmine Friederike/Griedrich Auguste Koppen). Paul’s grandfather Traugott was born in Wisconsin, to German parents. Paul’s great-grandfather Traugott was born in Hartmandorf, Schlesing, the son of Johan Christian Simon and Johanne Juliane. Wilhelmina was the daughter of Christian F. Koppen and Maria Louisa.

Paul’s paternal grandmother was Elinora/Eleanor Elbert (the daughter of Paul Edward Philip Elbert and Anna Marie Naomi Plischke). Elinora was born in Minnesota, to German parents. Paul’s great-grandfather Paul was the son of George Phillip Elbert and Eleanor Von Langenheincke. Anna was the daughter of Traugott Herman Plischke and Catharine Wilhelmina/Wilhelmine Marie Mahns.

Sources: Genealogy of Paul Simon (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Paul Simon on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org