“Cousin Simmons might be the nicest and most delicate writer in all the country…” (Fast 23). April Morning by Howard Fast takes place April 18th, 1775 near Lexington, Massachusetts on the verge of the American Revolution. Joseph Simmons, often referred to as Cousin Simmons, is the father of Ruth Simmons and the “neighbor and kin” (Fast 18) of the Coopers. He is also the blacksmith of Lexington. Joseph is a cautious and kind character, but throughout the book becomes tremendously brave as a leader. Joseph is a round and dynamic character who is cautious at the beginning of the book. Adam thinks highly of him and his values. “Some of them, like Cousin Simmons, actually disliked arguments and attempted to avoid them whenever possible…” (Fast …show more content…
“And when I saw Cousin Simmons and the others from home, that broke and went away; and without shame or care for who was watching, I threw myself into his big arms and let him hold me tight as if I was a little shaver and he my own father… and when he let go of me I saw that the tears were pouring down his cheeks.” (Fast 126). He cares for Adam as if he was his own father, especially after the death of Moses. “Cousin Simmons had a cold meat pie in his jacket pocket, and he insisted that I share it with him.” (Fast 134). This quote shows that even though he is hungry and needs to eat, he wanted Adam to be able to eat too. Aside from being cautious and caring Joseph has to be a leader and role model during the war. “I knew that the Simmons, men and women, were strong-minded, and I mentioned that.” This quote shows that Adam thinks highly of Joseph and his family. They are well-known for being determined. Joseph is portrayed as brave throughout the book, but it sticks out more at the end. “They tried to outface him, but Joseph Simmons was as wide as two average men, and it would have taken braver men than there were to outface him.” Even though the redcoats were well trained, they are no match for Joseph. Cautious and caring are two characteristics that stick out from Joseph as well as being a leader. When Moses died, he took in the family as his own. Everyone has to be brave during the