Born in 1819, George Washington Simons, reached his majority and started his business in 1840. We find him listed in the City Directory for Philadelphia in 1842 as a manufacturer of gold and silver thimbles and pencil cases. His brother, P. Boneil Simons later known as Peter B. was also listed in the directory and later joined his brother in the business. The company grew rapidly in the next 20 years, expanding into manufacturing many other gold and silver items.

In an 1858 reference book, George W. Simons & Brother is described as employing 60 people and manufacturing "gold and Silver pen and pencil cases ... gold, silver and steel topped thimbles, finger shields, tooth and ear picks, watch keys, gold pens, cane heads, bracelets, breast pins, earrings, finger rings, sleeve buttons, studs, guard slides, charms, seals, badges, etc". (1)

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