Simmons, Roscoe Conkling, 1881-1951
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1878 - 1951
Biographical note
Roscoe Conkling Simmons (born 1878 or 1881, died 1951) was an African-American orator, civic leader, journalist and politician. He graduated from Tuskegee Institute in 1899. He served as head of the Colored Division of the Speakers' Bureau of the Republican National Committee in 1920, 1924, and 1928. He was an advisor to three American presidents. He worked for the Chicago Defender from 1916 through the mid-1930s, and for the Chicago Tribune from the late 1940's until his death in 1951.
Footnote on birth date
The date of his birth is uncertain. Obituaries state his age in 1951 as anywhere between Simmons' own assertion that he was sixty-three and his oldest friends' statements that place his age nearer to seventy-five. A birth date of June 20,1878 in Greenview Mississippi is listed in the earliest inventories of his papers produced by the Harvard University Archives. A passport appliction holds a 1918 certification of birth signed by his parents that state the year and place of his birth as 1881 in Macon, Mississippi. See Kaye, Andrew M. Roscoe Conkling Simmons and the Mechanics of Black Leaderhisp, 1899-1951 (Thesis, doctoral--University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 2002), p. 23 for a full note on the evidence for various dates and places of birth.
Found in 88 Collections and/or Records:
Roscoe Simmons (right) sitting at a desk with Chicago Mayor William Hale Thompson and Daniel Jackson, 1920
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 9: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 1Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (493)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons (right) standing with an unidentified Asian man wearing a white military uniform, 1920s?
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 11Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (63)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons (second from left) sitting with (from left to right): Perry W. Howard, John R. Lynch, Robert Kratky (standing), and two other unidentified men, probably 1936
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 8Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (47)
Description:
Probably a publicity photograph for the campaign to elect Kansas Governor Alf Landon, Republican Party nominee in the 1936 presidential election.
Roscoe Simmons (second row, center, with walking stick) and Walter L. Cohen (second row, in white coat, next to Simmons) in a group portrait of unidentified, mostly African American, men on a street in New Orleans, 1925
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 10Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (58)
Description:
Group portrait includes Perry W. Howard (second row, seventh from left). Unidentified men were possibly employees of People's Industrial Life Insurance Company of Louisiana, which was founded by Walter L. Cohen in 1922, or members of the Colored Order of the Knights of Pythias of Louisiana. Inscribed on front: By A. P. Bedou, N. O., La.
Roscoe Simmons sitting at desk, holding pen in right hand, 1930s?
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 6Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (37)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons sitting at desk, holding pen in right hand, 1930s?
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 3: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 2Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (187)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons (sitting, fifth from left) with members of the Joseph P. Leeney (possibly pictured sitting next to Simmons, sixth from left) Women's Organization, 1940s?
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 8Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (49)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons speaking at a dinner, 1930s?
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 6Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (35)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons speaking before a group of African Americans, 1930s?
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 6Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (36)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons (standing, far right), Chicago Defender publisher John H. Sengstacke (sitting, second from right) and three other unidentified men posing at a desk with a copy of the Defender newspaper, 1942
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 9Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (51)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons (standing, far right), Chicago Defender publisher John H. Sengstacke (sitting, second from right) and three other unidentified men posing at a desk with a copy of the Defender newspaper, 1942
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 9Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (52)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons (third from left) posing with Perry W. Howard (far right), Walter L. Cohen (third from right), and three unidentified men on Beale Avenue, Memphis, 1912
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 10Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (57)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons (third from right) sitting at a table with Republican National Committeeman Perry W. Howard (fourth from right) and other unidentified people, probably 1944
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 9Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (55)
Description:
Photograph shows a campaign poster of 1944 Republican nominee for vice president, Ohio Governor John W. Bricker, hanging on the wall behind the group of people pictured, possibly members of the Republican National Committee, Colored Division.
Roscoe Simmons (third from right) sitting at a table with Republican National Committeeman Perry W. Howard (fourth from right) and other unidentified people, probably 1944
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 9Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (56)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, facing front, 1920
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 5Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (29)
Description:
Studio portrait.
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, facing front, 1920
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 5Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (30)
Description:
Studio portrait. Inscribed on front: To my darling Charlotte.
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, facing front, 1920
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 5Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (31)
Description:
Studio portrait.
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, facing front, 1920
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 5Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (32)
Description:
Studio portrait.
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, facing left, holding a cigar and reading, 1920
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 4Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (27)
Description:
Studio portrait.
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, facing left, holding a cigar and reading, 1920
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 4Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (28)
Description:
Studio portrait.
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, holding pince-nez in his right hand, 1928
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 3: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 1Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (72)
Description:
Inscribed on front: To my darling Charlotte [Roscoe Simmons's first wife].
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, holding pince-nez in his right hand, 1928
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 3: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 1Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (73)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, sitting, holding pince-nez in his right hand, 1917
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 3: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 1Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (74)
Scope and Contents:
Most of the identifiable photographs are signed or unsigned portraits of Simmons, his family, and political colleagues or other prominent Americans, especially members of the African-American community. There also numerous photographs of unidentified group events, such as graduations or funerals, as well as photographs of unidentified monuments and buildings. Simmons' apparent interest in United States foreign policy and military actions is evident in this series....
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, standing with a walking stick, wearing a hat and overcoat, 1910s
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 1Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (10)
Description:
Studio portrait.
Roscoe Simmons, three-quarter-length portrait, standing with hands in pockets, 1910s
FOUND IN:
Harvard University Archives
/
Collection:
Papers of Roscoe Conkling Simmons, 1875-1951
/
Series:
Photographs
/
Sub-Series:
Photographs of Roscoe Conkling Simmons
photoDescriptionUnit — Box HUM 2.85 Box 1: Series HUM 2.85, Box: Folder 1Identifier: HUM 2, HUM 2.85, HUM 2.85 (5)
Description:
Studio portrait. Inscribed on front: Ever yours, Roscoe.
Filtered By
- Type: Archival Object X