Silas Garrison Simpson

SIMPSON, HALL, SHIRLEY, COURTRIGHT, AGNEW, OSBORNE

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 11/12/2014 at 08:00:34

Not having seen any obituary notice of death of our fellow citizen, Silas G. Simpson, apropos to the life and character of this generous hearted and grand old man who has perhaps contributed more to the upbuilding and prosperity of Nodaway than any one man, we desire through the columns of the Free Press to offer a few additional thoughts.
Deceased was born in Dearborn County, Indiana on May 25, 1828 and at the time of his demise, December 17, 1900, was nearing his 73rd year. He had been failing for sometime, supposed to be rheumatism, resulting finally in gangrene of the foot which caused death.
The subject of this sketch represents one of the pioneer families of Iowa, was a carpenter by trade, but since coming to Nodaway which was in 1879, had been engaged in the mercantile business. He was first married on November 29, 1849 in Cedar County to Miss Mary Harriet Hall, who died leaving two children, M. G. and Florence, now Mrs. D. B. Agnew, both of them being engaged in the mercantile business in this place. He then married Mary Shirley on January 2, 1870 in Cedar County, Iowa. His present widow, formerly Mrs. Courtright, maiden name was Mary Shirley, bore him two children, a son and a daughter, S. J. and Mary, now Mrs. Osborne, all of Nodaway and representing the mercantile business.
Father Simpson from his inception into Nodaway business and society has been active and prominent in all its enterprises and business affairs both in church and secular affairs. He was postmaster under Harrison's administration and served in many official positions. Although a consistent member and faithful worker in the M. e. Church his big and broad heart reached much further. Bound by no sectarianism he contributed to all. At the time of his death he was an active member of the Presbyterian Church building committee and a large contributor to the work. Deceased was in no sense what might be called a religious enthusiast, subject to alternating flights of extremes in his religious devotions and work, but true type of the real, consistent, upright, and exemplary servant of God. In his death, Nodaway has lost a great support and her people a valued friend and his family a devoted husband, father, and wise counselor.
Funeral services were held at the M. E. Church conducted by Rev. E. C. Hawley and the Presbyterian minister.
Burial in the Nodaway Cemetery.
Adams County Free Press, January 10, 1901, page 2