He was born in Bechtheim, Hesse, and his family immigrated to the United States when he was one year old, settling in Portland, Oregon.

[3][4] After passing the bar he entered private legal practice at Mitchell and Dolph’s firm.

[6] Simon represented Multnomah County in several districts during his tenure due to reapportionment, and served through the 1891 legislative session.

[3] While in the Senate, he was chairman of the Committee on Irrigation and Reclamation of Arid Lands during the Fifty-sixth and Fifty-seventh Congresses.

[4] Joseph Simon died on February 14, 1935, at the age of 84 in Portland, and was buried at Beth Israel Cemetery in that city.