Aaron Taylor Simson was born in Rayne Township, Pennsylvania in 1848. His date of arrival in Alaska is unknown however, he and his first wife, Maggie, worked at the Indian Training School at Sitka until 1894. Shortly afterward, Maggie died and Simson returned to Pennsylvania. He remarried Alma Hamill and had two children, including the donor's father, William Albert Simson (deceased 1989). Aaron Simson collected artifacts and photographs while in Alaska; he died in Pennsylvania on May 31, 1920. Mrs. Alexander donated the remaining artifacts to the Sheldon Jackson Museum at Sitka, Alaska.
From the description of Aaron S. and William A. Simson photograph collection [graphic], ca. 1892-1905. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 57710926
