George Simmons Collection, 1906-1927

Summary

Creators:

Simmons, George Sr.

Abstract:

George Simmons, Sr. was a British citizen who moved to China in the 1890s and helped to build the Peking-Mukden Railroad (PMR) in Northern China. He left China briefly during the Boxer Rebellion at the turn of the century, but returned to help complete the railroad. After the railway was completed, he stayed on and trained and supervised the locomotive engineers and railway staff. The collection contains three sterling silver pieces given to Simmons in appreciation for his work on the PMR.

Extent:

3.29 linear feet

Language:

English, Chinese

Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Background

Scope and content:

The George Simmons Collection contains three sterling silver pieces given to Simmons in appreciation for his work on the Peking-Mukden Railroad in Northen China. This includes a cup and salver from the Viceroy of Chihli and future emperor, Yuan Shih-kai, and a silver and ebony plaque from the locomotive staff of the railroad given to Simmons upon his retirement in 1927.

Biographical / historical:

George Simmons, Sr. was a British citizen who moved to China in the 1890s and helped to build the Peking-Mukden Railroad (PMR) in Northern China, which was one of the first railroads in the country. He left China briefly during the Boxer Rebellion at the turn of the century, but returned to help complete the railroad. After the railway was completed, he stayed on and trained and supervised the locomotive engineers and railway staff. He retired in 1927, and settled in Tientsin, where his family lived for two more generations before emigrating to the United States.

Acquisition information:

Pamela Masters, 10/08/2004

Processing information:

Jessica Geiser, 2013

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Ephemera

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Location of this collection:

California State University, Northridge, Old China Hands Archives

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330, US

Contact:

(818) 677-4594

Website