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Joseph Simones
Extracted from Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa, 1894 Reprinted by Higginson Book Co., Salem, Massachusetts, p. 181

JOSEPH SlMONES, it is not ease, but effort, not luck, but labor, that develops character. There is perhaps no station in life in which difficulties are not to he met and conquered before success can be attained. As the skillful mariner gains his best experience amid storms, so on the ocean of life it is obstacles and adversities that develop self-reliance, courage and independent thought. The experiences of many men go to prove that obstacles in the path 0f progress may be overcome by perseverance, industry and energy. These elements in the character of the late Mr. Simones furnish us with a key to the success, which crowned his efforts. It was through tireless energy that he achieved prosperity, and through incorruptible honor that he gained a high place in the regard of his fellow-citizens.

His death was mourned as a loss to the city of Dubuque, where for a number of years he had made his home. But though his labors on earth have been closed, his character still lives as a model for others, furnishing an example that posterity may well study and emulate.

A native of Switzerland, Mr. Simones was born in Bonaduz, Graubuenden, on the 3d of October 1846. His parents, John and Anna (Hosang) Simones, were both natives of the same country, and there the mother is still living, being now (1894) eighty-six years old. The father is deceased. Our subject attended the best schools in Switzerland up to his eighteenth year. He remained in that country until he had attained his majority, but then determined to seek a home in America, hoping thereby to benefit his financial condition. In the spring of 1867 he sailed for the United States and at once took up his residence in Dubuque.

In 1871 Mr. Simones returned to Switzerland, and was their united ill marriage with Miss Victoria Bideaux, a native of Switzerland, and a daughter of Alexis and Eliza (Boul) Bideaux. Her father was born in France and died in Switzerland at the age of fifty-two. Her mother, a native of Switzerland, is living in Bonaduz at the age of sixty-seven. Mrs. Simones is a lady of refinement and culture, and is one of the most accomplished women of Dubuque. In her native land she received an excellent education in the French, German, Romansch and Italian languages, which Mr. Simones also spoke fluently. From 1872 to 1878 he was proprietor of the Jefferson House.

Accompanied by his family, Mr. Simones in the year 1878 left Dubuque for Switzerland and remained at his old home for three and one-half years. John, the eldest son, passed away while there, and two sons, John and Paul, were born. In September 1881, he returned to the United States and came direct to Dubuque. A few months later the Iowa Coffin Company was organized, and he became the largest stockholder in the enterprise. At the time of his death he was Secretary and General Manager, and its growth and progress were due largely to his fine business and executive ability. He was also Vice-President and a Director of the Citizens State Bank, a Director of the Key City Fire Insurance Company, the Dubuque Pressed Brick Company, and the Elgin Silver Plate Company, of Elgin, Ill.

In 1884 Mr. Simones established a large store on the corner of Sixteenth and Clay Streets, where he erected a fine three-story brick block with four stores. There he carried a full line of general dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, the business being now in charge of his widow. He possessed a dauntless spirit and determined purpose, and carried forward to a successful completion everything that he undertook. Thus he became quite wealthy, accumulating a handsome competency. In his political views he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Catholic Church, to which his wife and family also belong.

To Mr. and Mrs. Simones were born twelve children, eight of whom are yet living, namely: Anthony, Assistant Manager of the Iowa Coffin Company; Alexis, who is also connected with that firm; Mary, John, Paul, Joseph and Louis, who are in school; and Leo, who is at home. Those deceased are, John, Annie, Leo and Josephine, the latter of whom died August 7, 1894. The children have received the best educational advantages afforded by the schools of Dubuque and all of them speak three languages. The family resides on Sixteenth Street, where they have a pleasant home.

The death of Mr. Simones occurred November 17, 1893, and he was deeply mourned by all with whom he had entertained business or social relations. His strict integrity and sterling worth made him one of the most highly respected citizens of the community, and gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he was brought in contact.