Don Simmons papers

Collection – Multiple Containers

Identifier: MS-0781

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The Don Simmons papers consist of judicial statistics, courthouse remodeling files, lawsuits by felons against Simmons, a variety of suits from which Simmons asked to be recused, news releases, notary public data, annual court reports, and the like, collected by a Wood County, Ohio Court of Common Pleas judge, and date from 1976 to 1982.

Dates

Creation: 1976 to 1982

Extent

.92 Cubic Feet (2 legal sized file boxes)

Scope and Contents

The Don Simmons papers, 1976-1982, give a glimpse into the inner workings of Wood County, Ohio Court of Common Pleas. As a judge, Simmons collected materials on court cases, including relevant correspondence, notes, and court orders. The case materials cover local matters of child custody, divorce, and business operations and state cases including the 1982 Sack ‘N Save v. Retail Store Employees Local 954 case and the 1978 Perrysburg Education Association v. Perrysburg Board of Education case. The papers also include construction plans, planning materials, and correspondence for the Wood County Courthouse remodel. The papers do not document Simmons’ work with clients, but rather represent aspects of his work that could be made public.

Biographical / Historical

Donald D. Simmons graduated from Perrysburg High School, received a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in 1956, and a Juris Doctorate degree from The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Law in 1957. As a student, Simmons was involved in several campus organizations, including Frosh Club, student Senate, United Christian Fellowship, and Pi Sigma Alpha. Simmons began practicing law in Bowling Green in 1958 and served as Wood County prosecuting attorney from 1961 through 1968. While maintaining a law practice, Simmons taught at BGSU as an assistant professor of business law and legal studies from 1967 to 1976. He received the university’s Distinguished Teaching award in 1972. In 1976, Simmons announced his candidacy for Common Pleas Judge of Wood County. Having won the election, he left BGSU to focus on his new career, earning a Certificate for Superior Service from the Supreme Court of Ohio in 1980. Simmons lost his bid for re-election in 1982 and completed his term as Common Pleas Judge on January 1, 1983. He continues to maintain a law practice.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.