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J.H. SIMMS.

gaged in educational works nearly a half century, and who was never known to pass undeserving compliments, shows the worth of Mr. Simms and the estimation in which he was held by Prof. E.B. Neely, late superintendent of the St. Joseph public schools.

Since graduating Mr. Simms has done college extension work in chemistry, physics, history, literature, English and sociology. It can be truthfully said of him, that he is a book-lover, and has as well selected library as any colored person in St. Joseph. His reading along the various lines of knowledge has been systematic and extensive and he enjoys the distinction of being one of the very best read men among the teachers of the State. Often from his ample store of knowledge he guides many an inquiring teacher to the best books for courses of reading along certain lines.

For the past two years Mr. Simms has been the efficient principal of Lincoln School, a substantial two-story, six-room building with basement. This is one of the most modern schoolhouses in the city. Under the management of Principal Simms several new features have been added to the school, among which are manual training, school sewing and school gardening. These new departments have greatly aroused an interest in the school on the part of pupils, and also patrons. Enthusiasm runs high, and pupils from all parts of the city are enrolled in the Lincoln School. Principal Simms is justly proud of his efficient corps of teachers.


He is a conservative Christian gentleman, an honored member of the African M.E. church of that city, and for sixteen years was the superintendent of its
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Sunday-school. He is an ardent churchman, and always delights in serving in any position in which he is placed by the church. The church honored him by sending him as a delegate to the General Conference, which met in Chicago, May, 1904.

He is a thirty-second degree Mason and stands high in the fraternity.

In 1893 he was married to Miss Bessie Peck, of Baltimore, Maryland. Two bright-eyed boys, one eleven and the other two years old, are the fruits of this happy union. Mr. Simms has a cozy little home at 1904 Clay street, a most desirable resident portion of the city.

It is property that any man would feel proud to own. In this cozy little home Mr. Simms and his estimable wife and boys spend many pleasant hours. Both Mr. and Mrs. Simms being great lovers of books, their home might be called a literary center. Both enjoy a large circle of friends.