James Simmons was the son of Joseph Pike Simmons and Lucinda Nichols. See here for his baptism: http://ngb.chebucto.org/Vstats/vol-22-bap-1882-1891-sjc.shtml
Joseph Pike Simmons was the son of William Simmons and Patience Pike and was born Jul 30 1858 in Mosquito (now Bristols Hope). I found the record among the vital statistics images on http://www.familysearch.org but have nay saved the link address.
William was the son of James Simmons and Elizabeth Pynn, and was baptised at Mosquito on Jan 31 1828. See: http://www.familysearch.org Newfoundland, Vital Statistics, 1753-1893 Harbour Grace (Methodist) Birth 1819-1873, Vol. 43 Image 5 of 85.
James (my ggg grandfather) was born about 1802, presumably the son of William Simmons and Mary Pike who married at Carbonear on Jan 12 1798. The 1805 Plantation Book records that William Simmons had occupied vacant land on the south side of Musketta in 1779 and had bought more land there in 1799. I cannot trace William Simmons except for a hint that the family may have come from the Isle of Wight. Any more info would be greatly appreciated.
Dan Simmons