Simpson - Philo - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Philo G. Simpson, age 81 years a well-known Crawfordsville citizen who has resided here for nearly ¾ of a century died at 5 p.m. Tuesday at his home 411 Jennison Street from stomach complications. He had been ailing for the past six months but his condition had been alarming for only about two weeks. Funeral services will be held at the residence at 10 o’clock Friday by the Rev. Walter Johnston, pastor of Center Presbyterian Church.  The burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Mr. Simpson was born July 16, 1829 in Troy, Ohio and was the son of John and Laura Simpson.  They removed from Troy to the little village of Crawfordsville in the 30s and Mr. Simpson resided here continuously until his death.  His father was a pioneer tanner of this town, his tannery having been located on what is now West Main Street on ground just a short distance west of where the residence of Dr SL Ensminger now stands. As a young man, Mr. Simpson worked in his father’s tannery. Later, he entered the grocery business which he followed for a number of years and still later became a salesman for the wholesale grocery company owned by the late Alexander F. Ramsey.  He also traveled for Hadley, Hornaday & Co., grocers, when they were in the wholesale business. He has led a retired life for many years.  Mr. Simpson was married Jan 12, 1860 to Mrs. John Herndon who survives. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last January.  Mr. Simpson also leaves one brother, Samuel McKee Simpson, the last of a family of six boys. The other five sons of John and Laura Simpson were Joseph; William; Stanley; Martin and Philo.  Martin Simpson died only four months ago while Stanley Simpson who was well known in Crawfordsville died a few years ago Mr. and Mrs. Philo G. Simpson had no children.  Mr. Simpson was a charter member of Center Presbyterian Church.  He was a good man, quiet and unassuming and had many friends in this city. – kbz – note his tombstone says Philo R