James Simpson (1824 - 1897)

Born 11 Jul 1824 in Dunrossness, Shetland, Scotland

Husband of Forbes Halcrow (Smith) Simpson — married 6 Nov 1856 in Dunrossness, Shetland, Scotland

Died 1897 at about age 72 in Rock County, Wisconsin, USA

Biography

James was born in 1823. James Simpson died in Rock County, Wisconsin, in 1897.^[1]

The following was taken from the person who kindly sent it to me. Thank you very mud and I have copies it exactly as presented to me. LS - 7th Nov 2017

\Y| AMKS SIMPSON, a prominent farmer of La Prairie Township, residing on section 11, was born in the year 1824, on Shetland Island. of which his parents, Hames and Margaret (Nicholson) .Simpson, were also natives. His father was a sailor during his youth and for eleven years served as gunner's mate in the British navy. He participated in the War of 1812, against the United Slates, and was with the fleet which attempted the capture of New Orleans. Later, abandoning the sea. he engaged in farming and stock raising, being quite extensively engaged in raising horses. His death occurred in 18.'5."). at the age of sixty years, when our subject was eleven years old. His wife died five years previously. Their family numbered three children, namely: Margaret, wife of Stewart Ervin, of Shetland Island; John, who died on the old homestead, and James.

When only eleven years of age, our subject was left an orphan and went to live with an aunt, with whom he made his home until attaining his majority. Embarking on the brig, "Tar," he sailed to Lerwick and from thence to Philadelphia, Pa., in which city he spent the following summer. With a cargo of provisions, he then returned to the Island, but followed a sea-faring life for eight years, visiting nearly every port on the Atlantic Ocean. In 1H5'2, witii a desire to gain wealth more rapidly, he went to Australia, where he engaged in mining gold for three years, and was reasonably successful. At length he returned to the land of his birth. Ml which he remained until May, 1)S57.

A short time previous to the date above mentioned, Mr. Simpson was united in marriage with Forbice H. Smith, who was born on Shetland Island, and is a (daughter of Nichol and Mary Ann (Halcuw) Smith, who were also natives of the same place. The wedding journey of the young couple consisted of a voyage to America. Crossing the broad Atlantic, they landed at Quebec, Canada, and thence proceeded to Janesville, Wis. In Rock County, Mr. Simpson purchased eighty acres of land situated in La Prairie Township, where he still continues to reside. The land was then but partially improved, but the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it has transformed it into one of the finest farms in the vicinity. Many beautiful and useful improvements have been made and tlu'cMlirc surroundings indicate the thiift and enterprise of the owner, while the home, whose mistress is one of the highly esteemed ladies of the county, is the abode of neatness and refinement. The trees, which throw their welcome shade on house and lawn, were also planted by Mr. Simpson, while the boundaries of his farm have been extended until it now comprises I'Jit acres of land which is under a Idgh state of cultivation.

No children have been born to this worthy couple, but they have an adopted daughter and son, namely : Charlotte K who is now Ihe wife of Peter J. Moort, of Janesville; and Charles W. Kunson, yet at home. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Knu'rald (J rove, with which they united nearly a third of a century ago. He has served the organization as Class-Leader and Trustee, and is now the teacher of the Bible class in the Sunday School, in which his wife also has a class. They take a deep interest in church work, are always ready to aid in any possible way, and are liberal in its support. In his political sentiments, Mr. Simpson is a Republican, and has served as a member of the School board in wliich he acted as Treasurer for several years. He is well informed on all matters of public interest, and is regarded as one of the leading citizens of La Prairie Township. He has traveled over a greater part of the world, visiting nearly every civilized country of the globe, thereby acquiring a knowledge of the people, together with their manners and customs, never attained from a study of books.

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Sources

1. ↑ "Wisconsin, Death Records, 1867-1907," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XLMC-P9J : accessed 22 March 2015), James Simpson, 1897; citing Death, Rock County, Wisconsin, Wisconsin State Historical Society, Madison; FHL microfilm 1,311,653.

See also:

• "United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MNHX-SBH : accessed 22 March 2015), James Simpson, La Prairie, Rock, Wisconsin, United States; citing enumeration district , sheet , NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll ; FHL microfilm .

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