My Genealogy Hound

MICHAEL SIMON, contractor, builder and planing-mill owner, Allegheny, was born in Germany, Oct. 18, 1833, and is the son of John and Catherine Simon. He came to America in 1853, and settled in this county, where he has since resided. He is the only one of the family who ever came to this country. His parents both died in Germany, his father in 1840, and his mother in 1865. Of their family of eight children, seven are living. Michael Simon was married, April 25, 1858, to Maria, daughter of Matthias and Catherine Voelp, and to them have been born ten children, of whom eight are now living as follows: Philip, Charles, John, George, Emma, Clara, William and Harry; two children died in infancy. Mr. Simon learned the carpenter’s trade in Germany, and engaged in that business upon his arrival in Allegheny county. In 1861 he commenced business for himself as a contractor and builder, and in 1871 added a planing-mill to facilitate his operations. At the age of twenty years Mr. Simon found himself far from home, among strangers, with only ten dollars to commence life with, but by industry, economy and business ability he has risen from those humble circumstances to be one of the financially substantial men of the city of Allegheny, and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the A. O. U. W., and of the G. P. Church. In all of the relations of life Mr. Simon is faithful and true to every obligation. As a citizen, as a businessman, as a neighbor and friend, he is respected by all, and has the cordial good-will of everyone who knows him.