The Simon Papers, University of Birmingham : Various papers and correspondence (1852-1866)

The Simon Papers, University of Birmingham

<p style='text-align: justify;'>The fourth series of the Simon Papers contains a range of material connected with Heinrich Simon and members of his family, covering a period from 1852 to 1866. Overall, 138 papers and other documents relate to the last few years of Heinrich Simon’s life, his death, and the events after his death. Earlier papers are directly associated with Heinrich Simon, covering a period from 1852 to 1860 (just before his death). Materials comprise a small exchange of letters and transactions between Heinrich Simon and several people and companies. Amongst those are notes and drafts, invoices, debts, bills, accounts, a contract between Heinrich and his sister Hermine Simon regarding an annual allowance, a handwritten and typescript copy of Heinrich Simon's will, and a statement by Heinrich Simon and his partner Marie Gärtner (née Simon) relating to shares of the copper mine estate at Mürtschenalp. </p><p style='text-align: justify;'>A number of papers are concerned with Heinrich Simon’s death in 16 August 1860. These contain material that relates to the investigation into the conditions and circumstances resulting in Heinrich’s death by drowning in Lake Wallensee, near Murg, Switzerland, and includes witnesses’ statements and reports.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>A large quantity of papers relate to events after Heinrich’s Simon’s death. These involve materials pertaining to preparations by his brother Gustav Simon for the writing of a biography and erecting a memorial in his honour, together with an architect’s drawing and a deed of gift by the municipal administration of Quarten to Gustav Simon for a piece of land in Murg. Included here is also a statement by Gustav Simon confirming the transfer of the plot on which Heinrich Simon's grave and monument were built to his son Henry Simon.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The remaining material contains mainly documents, letters, and other papers concerning the settlement of the real estate and personal estate owned by Heinrich Simon. There is a large amount of correspondence and transactions between his executors (his brother Gustav Simon and his partner Marie Gärtner (née Simon)) and the other parties involved. Items include administration records and documents regarding Heinrich’s copper mine estate at Mürtschenalp, together with certificates of insurance, contracts, minutes from directors' meetings, ledgers and financial records, financial assets, bank accounts, statements and debts, as well as inventories, appraisals, sales of household goods and personal possessions owed by the deceased.</p>