He came to the US from Germany when he was 18, and eventually was the owner of the R & H Simon silk mills in Easton and Union Hill, NJ. (The "R" in the company name was Herman's brother Robert, who died in 1901.)

At the time of his death, his estate was estimated between $8,000,000 and $10,000,00; he was reported to be one of the wealthiest men in Pennsylvania.

He died in his office at the Easton mill.

See the book "This House is for the Ladies", by Kenneth Klabunde, for a thorough coverage of Herman Simon's life, family and contributions.