The British Musical Biography

[E] Simms, Edward, son of Edward Simms
named in the preceding article, was born at
Oldswinford, Worcestershire, February 10,
1800. At the age of six he commenced his
studies under his uncles at Stourbridge ; and
when ten assisted his uncle James at Broms-
grove. He was ax^pointed organist at Wom-
bourne, near Wolverhampton, in 1813. W^ent
to London in 1816, and studied under Thomas
Adams, and Kalkbrenner. In 1818 he removed
to Coventrv, and was organist successively of
Holy Trinity, 1821 ; St. John's, 1825 (having
meantime held an appointment for three years
in Birmingham) ; and St. jNIichael's, 1828,
holding this last office for the period of 58
years, resigning in 1886. Established the
Coventry Choral Society about 1836, and did
much to disseminate a taste for music in the
district. He had many pupils of distinction,
including the novelist George Eliot, and it is
to him that reference is made in " Jliddle-
march." He composed numerous pieces, but
published very little. His death took place
at Coventry, January 15, 1893.

entry id: 373-R-16