Simms, Florence (1873–1923)
Simms, Florence (1873–1923)
American industrial/social reformer. Name variations: Daisy Florence Simms. Born Daisy Florence Simms, April 17, 1873, in Rushville, ID; died Jan 6, 1923, in Mattoon, IL; dau. of Michael M. Simms (farmer) and Jennie (Taylor) Simms.
Joined YWCA American Committee as national secretary in college department (1895); established and served as director of YWCA's new industrial department (from 1909); formed "industrial clubs," which provided religious, labor, and recreational programs in factories, mills, and other workplaces across US; headed War Work Council's Industrial Commission and traveled across Europe to explore possibility of creating international labor standards for women; helped create 1st National Assembly of Industrial Girls.
See also Richard Roberts, Florence Simms: A Biography (1926).