Simmons, it was claimed by his colleague, Dr. Harvey Cushing in 1924,[1] was born in Moreton-in-Marsh, then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, when he was 18.
[2] Practicing medicine in Lincoln until 1899, Simmons came to Chicago when he was elected editor-in-chief of JAMA that year.
[3] During Simmons' 25-year term as editor-in-chief and general secretary, the number of JAMA subscribers increased from 1,000 to 80,000.
Pusey commented on Simmons' unique personality, writing, "He was a noble character... a man whom his intimates learned to love.
[10] Upon his retirement, a banquet was held in his honor, and the speakers included William James Mayo and Harvey Cushing.