William I. Simms
Cite this Page
"William I. Simms," White House Workers History Project, White House Historical Association, 2026, https://whha.whirlihost.com/Detail/workers/757.
- Position
- Laborer
- Years in President's House
- 1926 – circa 1933
- Legal Status
- Free Person
- Gender
- Male
- Race/Ethnicity
- Black or African American
- Biography
- William I. Simms joined the White House staff in 1926 as a laborer in the Executive Offices, known today as the West Wing. His role entailed general maintenance and cleaning duties. (1) He was included on annual staff lists through the end of the Herbert Hoover administration and the start of the Franklin Roosevelt administration, but further information about his life and tenure are scarce.
- (1) "Negro Employees at the White House Executive Office, and White House Garage as of March 31, 1933," White House Office Personnel, 1933-1935; Records of the White House Office of Budget and Accounting, Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York.
(2) White House Employees, 1932, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1932, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library; Xmas List 1931, Lou Henry Hoover Papers, Subject Files, White House Christmas 1931, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. - Birthplace
- Unclear from Context