The British Musical Biography

[E] Simms. A remarkable family of organists.
John Simms, the founder, was born in Staf-
fordshire about the middle of the eighteenth
century. He was brought up to the counting-
house, but continued in his father's business,
the iron trade, for some years. Cultivating
his passion for music, he became a fair player
on the organ and violin. Afterwards he
devoted himself to the construction of in-
struments, and made, among others, an
upright harpsichord, which was publicly
exhibited. The date of his death is not
known. He had a family of eight sons and
two daughters, who were all musical, as was
his wife. Of his sons. Bishop Simms suc-
ceeded Joseph Harris, Mus. Bac. , as organist
of St. Philip's, Birmingham, and was also
organist of St. Mary's Chapel in that town.
He was a violinist, and one of the orchestra
at the Birmingham Festivals from 1805. Date
of death unknown. James Simms was organist
of Bromsgrove Parish Churcli, and also at
Chaddesley, Worcester, but nothing is known
of him after 1826. Samuel Simms, was
esteemed one of the finest players of his
time, In 1805 he was a candidate for the
post of organist at Whitchurch, Salop, but
the conditions were so unsatisfactory that
only three of those assembled would compete.
A curious letter on the subject appeared in
Aris's Gazette, Birmingham, April 15, 1805.
He was organist of St. Thomas's, Stourbridge,
for half a century, and died sometime before
1860. Edward Simms was organist of Asburn
and Oakover, Staffs., but no details can be
obtained about him. Henry Simjis was an
organist at Stourbridge, and another son,
Jesse, was a musician.

entry id: 373-L-41