MICHAEL SIMONS
THE senior partner of the firm of Simons, Jacobs & Co., who
is also a member of the firms of Garcia, Jacobs & Co., London ; Simons,
Shuttleworth & Co., Liverpool ; and Simons, Shuttleworth, French, & Co., New
York, has long stood at the head of the fruit-importing trade in Glasgow. Though
born in London, 23rd September, 1842, he was brought when a child to Glasgow,
and has since identified himself most heartily with the interests and
associations of our northern city. He was educated at St. James's School and at
the old High School in John Street, and from the beginning of his business
career has been associated with the fruit trade. The firm in Candleriggs was
founded by his father, Mr. Benjamin Simons, in partnership with Mr. Samuel
Jacobs, and both before and since its present head took an active part in the
management the business has played a conspicuous part in the immense modern
development of this country's fruit-importing and fruit-distributing enterprise.
The firm has agencies established in Boston and in Canada. In addition, however,
to mercantile affairs, Ex-Bailie Simons has found time to take a strenuous part
in municipal life. He entered Glasgow Town Council in 1884, and duly fulfilled
his part as a convener of committees and as a magistrate. Among the many civic
labours with which he was specially associated were the great Glasgow Exhibtions
of 1888 and 1901, to the immense success of which his energy very materially
contributed. In furtherance of the interests of the latter Exhibition he went as
delegate to the United States, and by personal interviews enlisted the
co-operation of President McKinlay and other leading men. In due course, had he
wished, he might have filled the office of Lord Provost, and there can be no
question that, with his bonhomie, shrewdness, ability as a public speaker, and
immense popularity, he would have proved one of the most acceptable occupants of
the civic chair. The demands of business, however, made three years of office
impossible, and he relinquished his claim. As some recognition of his services
to the city he has been three times publicly entertained by the citizens, and he
holds the offices of Deputy-Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace. He is also a
Knight of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic of Spain.
With strong tastes for literature and art, he has substantial
interests in the various enterprises of the city, and since 1902 has been
chairman of the Council of the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine arts. In this
last capacity he received the Prince and Princess of Wales on their visit to
Glasgow in 1907. He has also a taste for travel, and has many friends in France.
Spain, Italy, Holland, Belgium, and Germany, as well as throughout the United
States and Canada.
In 1869 he married Alice, daughter of Mr. Samuel Moses, J.P.,
of Hobart, Tasmania, by whom he has a family of three sons and four daughters.
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Index of Glasgow Men (1909)