WILLIAM C. SIMONS, pioneer investment broker of Springfield, Massachusetts, and for the past forty or fifty years intimately associated with the business life of the city, is well known in Springfield, where his reputation both as a man of business integrity and a public-spirited, progressive citizen is of the highest order. He is the son of Cicero Simons, of Springfield.
William C. Simons was born at Springfield on September 5, 1849 He received his education in the public schools and Williston Academy, Easthampton. His first position was with the Dean Steam Pump Company, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, but after a few years spent in the employ of this concern, he launched out in business for himself as the first broker in Springfield. Since then he has had a long and honorable business career in this field, in which he is still engaged, the firm now being conducted under the name of William C. Simons, Inc., of which Mr. Simons is president, and his son, John W. Simons, treasurer.
Mr. Simons served for a number of years as a member of the Springfield School Board, and has otherwise been active in local affairs. He is a member of the Nayasset Club, the Colony Club, and the Springfield Country Club. By religious conviction he is an Episcopalian, and serves as senior warden in the Springfield Episcopal Church.
Mr. Simons married Mary E. Gunn, daughter of Elisha and Mary (Kimberley) Gunn. Mr. and Mrs. Simons have three children: i. Mary Gunn, now Mrs. Mary Gunn (Simons) Hixion, born in November, 1883. 2. John W., a biography of whom follows. 3. Philip W., born in March, 1892.