William Simonds (October 30, 1822 – July 7, 1859) was an American writer who usually used the pen-name Walter Aimwell.
After attending school at Salem and spending some time in learning the jewelry business at Lynn, Massachusetts, he was apprenticed to a Boston printer in 1837.
In December, 1845, he left the printing-office where he had spent nearly nine years, and early in 1846 began the publication of "The Boston Saturday Rambler," of which, after the first six months, he became the sole editor.
In November, 1850, "The Rambler" was merged in the "New England Farmer," of which Simonds was general editor until his death.
Mr. Simonds was convinced that he had a mission to perform in writing for the young, and he employed every means in his power to render his tales natural and attractive, and to make them accurate reflections of life.