Simmons was a German immigrant active in Berks County 1885-1910. He is known only by his nicknames, "Schtockschnitzler" (cane carver) and "der alt" (the older man). He is known to have travelled from town to town with a pack of canes on his back, the handles terminating in birds. He is also known for carving birds from bedposts, like the one shown here, and for his masterpiece bird trees.

For related carvings see Machmer, pps. 20-21.