William Simonds (author) facts for kids

William Simonds (born October 30, 1822 – died July 7, 1859) was an American writer. He often used the pen-name Walter Aimwell for his books. He is best known for his stories written for young people.

Early Life and First Books

William Simonds was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts. His father passed away when William was still young. He went to school in Salem.

Later, he learned about the jewelry business in Lynn, Massachusetts. In 1837, he started working as a printer in Boston. While working there, he wrote his first book, "The Pleasant Way," which came out in 1841. In 1845, he published another book called "The Sinner's Friend." Both books were well-liked.

A Career in Publishing

In 1845, William Simonds left his printing job. He had worked there for almost nine years. In 1846, he started a newspaper called "The Boston Saturday Rambler." After six months, he became the only editor of the paper.

In 1850, "The Rambler" joined with another paper, the "New England Farmer." Simonds became the main editor for this paper. He worked there until he passed away. He also tried to publish a monthly magazine, "The Pictorial National Library," but it only lasted for about a year and a half.

William Simonds truly believed he had an important job: to write for young people. He worked hard to make his stories feel real and interesting. He wanted them to show what life was truly like. He died in Winchester, Massachusetts.

The Aimwell Stories

William Simonds' most famous works are "The Aimwell Stories." He wrote these books using his pen-name, Walter Aimwell. These stories often talk about farm life in New England.

Here are the titles of "The Aimwell Stories":

• Oscar; or, The Boy Who Had His Own Way (1854)
• Clinton; or, Boy Life in the Country (1853)
• Ella; or, Turning over a New Leaf (1855)
• Whistler; or, The Manly Boy (1856)
• Marcus; or, The Boy Tamer (1857)
• Jessie; or, Trying To Be Somebody (1858)
• Jerry; or, The Sailor Boy Ashore (1863)

Interestingly, "Clinton" was the second book in the series but was published first. Simonds had planned to write twelve books for the series. However, he only finished six before he died. The last book, "Jerry," was not completely finished. A story about William Simonds' life was added to it.

Other Books

Besides "The Aimwell Stories," William Simonds wrote other books. These include:

• "Thoughts for the Thoughtless" (1851)
• "The Boy's Own Guide" (1852)
• "The Boy's Book of Morals and Manners" (1855)

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "^{article name needed}". Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography. (1891). New York: D. Appleton.