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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Hubert A. Simmons

Author: Hubert A. Simmons (1839–1895)

Biography: Hubert A. Simmons was born on 30 November 1839 in Sonning, Berkshire, the son of farmer Thomas Simmons. In 1861, he joined the Great Western Railway as a clerk and would go on serve in numerous posts over the next fifteen years. He married, in 1863, Ellen Jane Elen and the couple had five children. After his resignation from the GWR, Simmons wrote a handful of novels beginning with Ernest Struggles (1879) based on his experiences on the railway. His next two novels are based on his childhood on a farm. Shortly before his death, he remarried. He died on 6 December 1895 in Watlington.

References: British Census (1871, 1881, 1891); pers inf (Paul Garnsworthy)

Fiction Titles:

  1. Ernest Struggles: or, The Comic Incidents and Anxious Moments in Connection with the Life of a Station Master. By One who Endured It.  1 vol.  Reading: J. J. Beecroft, 1879.
  2. Stubble Farm: or, Three Generations of English Farmers. A Novel.  2 vol.  London: Tinsley Brothers, 1880.
  3. Farnborough Hall: or, New Life on the Old Farm.  3 vol.  London: Tinsley Brothers, 1882.
  4. Through the Crowd.  1 vol.  London: Roper & Drowley, 1890.