[1] His father Joseph Simonds, born 8 June 1689 in what is now Lexington, Massachusetts, was a cordwainer who married his first wife Rachel c. 1714.

[6] On 19 August 1746, Fort Massachusetts was attacked by an army of French soldiers and their Indian allies and surrendered the following day.

Norris reported on 22 August 1746 that "the Indians also carry’d in their Canoes Br Simon & John Aldrich, and Perry’s Wife, down the River about ten miles."

On 23 August 1746, he reported that "the French still carrying Smeed’s and Scot’s Wives and Children, the Indians finding Horses for Brothers Simon and John Aldrich.

On 13 August 1777, he met with Gen. John Stark and Col. Seth Warner in a council of war at the so called Catamount Tavern before the Battle of Bennington and commanded his Berkshire regiment in that engagement.

[15] [16] During the Revolutionary War, Simonds forced his slave Ishmael Thomas to take his place in the Continental Army in exchange for being manumitted.

[19] Many years later, trustees requested that Simonds join the committee to build "West College," in accordance with Colonel Ephraim Williams’ will.