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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