John Hamilton Simons

John Hamilton Simons (25 May 1823 – 6 May 1906) was a Canadian merchant of Scottish origin and the founder of La Maison Simons, one of the oldest department store chains in Quebec.

Early life Simons was the eldest son of Scottish immigrants Margaret McNeill and Peter Simons. The Simons family settled on land in Saint-Dunstan-du-Lac-Beauport granted by the British government to demobilized English soldiers, a category in which Peter Simons belonged.

As a teenager, John worked as a clerk at the Laurier general store to help support his family. The signatories praised Langevin’s zeal, energy, and administrative capacity, particularly his work on the city’s aqueduct system and financial reforms, and pledged their support for his candidacy. The notice promoted “dry goods, tasteful articles, and haberdashery” offered at “very reduced prices for cash” in order to make room for the store’s spring imports. The petition reflected Simons’ involvement in local civic affairs and concern for public safety.

In 1892, the partnership of Simons & Foulds was formally dissolved as John Simons retired. While Simons retired, the well-known company name would be retained, with business operations continuing under Archibald Foulds. In 1918, the company came entirely under family ownership and management. The couple had several children, including Archibald Simons, who would later take over the family business, as well as William Thomas, Elly, Lily, John, Edith Allan, Mary, William, Gordon, and George. Simons married Jane Sangster on 1 June 1899, in Lac-Beauport.

He lived in Quebec City for much of his life and died there. He was buried in Sillery.