Career
Born in 1836 in Utica, New York, Simkins was still living in that state when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as a coxswain on the United States Ship Richmond. At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, he "performed his duties with skill and courage" despite heavy fire.
During his naval career Simkins also served on the United States Ship North Carolina, United States Ship Princeton, United States Ship Brooklyn, and United States Ship Lancaster.
He died on September 10, 1884, at age 47 or 48 and was buried at Old City Cemetery in Sacramento, California.