SIMPSON, Henry H. - Putnam

Henry H. SIMPSON, one of the well-to-do farmers and stock raisers of Montgomery Twp residing on Sec 1 is numbered among the early settlers of this county where he has made his home for about 38 years. The traditions of the family trace the ancestry back to Ireland. It was probably founded in America during the early Colonial days and for several generations its members were residents of North Carolina. The grandfather of our subject, Benjamin Simpson was a native of that state and in the vicinity of his childhood home was reared and married, the lady of his choice being a native of NC. They began their married life in the community where their marriage was celebrated, and a large family of children graced their union. In the early part of the 19th century, probably between the years 1815 and 1820, Benjamin Simpson, accompanied by his family, emigrated to Indiana, locating in Putnam County where he is numbered among the pioneer settlers. Purchasing a farm, he turned his attention to its development and continued its cultivation until his death which occured at the age of 3 score years and 10. His wife afterward became a resident of illinois, making her home in the family of her son Jacob for some years. She then went to Howard County, Indiana where she spent the remainder of her days, dying at the home of her second son, Zimmerah, when 80 years of age. Both Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were members of the Baptist Church and were faithful and consistent Christian people. Jacob Simpson, father of our subject, was the eldest child of the family. When a lad he accompanied his parents to Indiana, and in Putnam County attained his majority. He there married Miss Sarah NEFF a native of Ohio and daughter of Adam and Margaret McIntosh Neff, who were also born in the Buckeye State. For many yeares her father followed farming in his native county but at length removed to Putnam County. After a residence of some years in that community, they came to Woodford County, Illinois and later made their home in Clay County where the death of both parents occurred. They were also followers of the Baptist Church. Jacob Simpson for some years after his marriage resided in Putnam County where a family of six children, 4 sons and two daughters were born of his union with Miss Neff. In 1851, accompanied by his family, he came to Illinois and cast his lot with the early settlers of Woodford County. Locating on a farm on Sec 36, Montgomery Twp, he followed agricultural pursuits for a number of years. The wife and mother was not long permitted to enjoy her new home, for in 1853, two years after their arrival she was called to her final rest, dying at the age of 35. She was a woman of excellent character, and like the other members of the family had embraced the faith of the Baptist Church. Mr. Simpson was twice afterward married. By his second union the family circle was increased by the birth of 4 children and by his present wife he has one child. On removing from Illinois he settled in Arkansas where he made his home for 9 years, then became a resident of the Cherokee Nation, in the Indian Territory, where he has now resided six years. At this writing he is 76 but enjoys comparatively good health. HH Simpson, of this sketch was born in Putnam County, Indiana June 25, 1840 and is the second in order of birth in a family of six children. He was a lad of 11 when his parents removed to Woodford County which from that time has been his home. The prairies were then wild and uncultivated, the few settlements were widely scattered the cities were mere hamlets and the county seemed just emerging from its primitive condition. The farm on which the family located had not yet been broken nor had any improvements been made. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed under the parental roof, but on attaining his majority he left home and began life's battle for himself. Though he had but little capital with which to embark in business he is now one of the extensive land owners of the county, 378 acres paying tribute to his care and cultivation. Of that amount 220 acres are comprised in the home far, while a 47-acre tract, also in Montgomery Twp, is numbered among his possessions and he owns 102 acres in Olio Twp. In connection with general farming he devotes considerable attention to the raising of fine stock, which he feeds and ships to foreign markets. His entire business career has been marked with honesty and fair dealing, and his success is due to his industry, energy and perseverance, supplemented by good business ability. Mr. Simpson was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Galbraith who was born in Olio Twp in 1836. Her paernts, Andrew and Jane Gayley Galbraith were natives of Maryland and came to Woodford County at an early day. The mother died at her home in Olio Twp at age 40. Mr. Galbraith was a 2nd time married and afterwards removed to Livingston County where he died at the age of 72. The parents were both members of the Methodist Church. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, but 3 are now deceased, namely: Clara, Charley and one hwo died in infancy. William, the only living child was educated in Eureka College and is now assisting his father in the labors of the farm. In 1871 Mr. Simpson purchased the pleasant home of the family, and with the exception of 4 years spent in Eureka, they have since resided here. The household is noted for its hospitality, and by their many friends they are held in high regard. Mr. Simpson and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are active workers in the Master's vineyard. He is superintendent of the Sunday School and is a faithful laborer for its interests and success. In political sentiment he supports the Republican party and is a warm advocate of its princples. A lithographic view of Mr. Simpson's residence appears elsewhere in his volume.