Hines, H. K. "An Illustrated History of the State of Oregon." Chicago: Lewis
Pub. Co. 1893.  p. 269.

HON. JOSEPH SIMON

     One of the most widely known jurists and public men of the State, was born
in Germany, on February 7, 1851, coming with his father, David Simon and family,
to Portland in 1857, where his father for many years was successfully engaged as
a merchant.  There were four children, the eldest the subject of this sketch,
having been born in Germany, one born in California, and the two youngest in
Portland, where all have been reared and educated.
     Our subject was sent to the public schools in Portland, and is reported to
have been studious and a good scholar, in the meantime receiving, while
assisting his father, a practical knowledge of business, which has since been of
much value to him in his profession of law.  In 1870 he entered the office of
Mitchell & Dolph, then the leading law firm of the city, where he read law for
two years, when he was admitted to the bar, soon after becoming a member of the
firm with which he had studied, since when, his career has been one of continued
success.  In 1877, he was elected a member of the city Council from the second
ward, which position he held for three years, declining a re-election, which was
tendered to him without opposition.
     In 1885 he was appointed by the Governor a member of the Board of Police
Commissioners, in which capacity he served until July, 1892.  In politics, he is
a stanch and active Republican.  He was chairman of the Republican State Central
Committee in 1880, 1884, and 1886, rendering his party and the State valuable
service in these years.  In 1880 he was elected a member of the State Senate,
and for three successive times, viz., 1880, 1884 and 1888, he has been
re-elected to that office.  In the sessions of 1889 and 1891, he was elected
President of the Senate, and presided over that body, there being no
Lieutenant-Governor in this State.  While Senator, he was an indefatigable
worker, and served on various committees.  As sufficient evidence of the general
satisfaction experienced as to his manner of executing the duties devolving upon
him, we have only to refer to his three several elections to the Senate, and his
election as President of that body for two sessions, the greatest possible
compliment to his integrity and ability as a parliamentarian.  Mr. Simon was a
delegate to the national Republican Convention held at Minneapolis in June,
1892, and was elected a member of the Republican National Committee from the
State of Oregon.
     In fraternal matters, Mr. Simon is a Past Master of Portland Lodge, No. 55,
A.F. & A.M., and a member of Portland Chapter, No. 3; he has received the
thirty-second degree in the Scottish rite.
     He has identified himself with the city, being largely interested in real
estate, and contributing by every means to her advancement.  As a man of
education and morality, and as a lawyer of acumen and ability, as a
parliamentarian of impressive and pleasing address, he reflects credit on his
city and State.
 
 
Transcriber's additional notes:
 
1880 - June 14; Multnomah Co, OR; Portland, page 434
D. Simon, head, 58, Prussia, Prussia, Prussia, retired merchant
Eliza, wife, 48, Prussia, Prussia, Prussia
Joseph, son, 29, Prussia, Prussia, Prussia, lawyer, single
Samuel, son, 26, CA, Prussia, Prussia, bookkeeper, single
Nathan, son, 16, OR, Prussia, Prussia, att. school
Minnie, dau, 14, OR, Prussia, Prussia, att. school
 
1900 - June 18; Multnomah Co, OR; Portland ED 43, page 139
Joseph Simon, head, m, w, 49, single, Feb 1851, GER, GER, GER, atty at law, to
US 1870

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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2005 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.