SIMPSON, Alex W. (1870-1940)

SIMPSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/1/2020 at 22:20:40

Alexander Walker Simpson
(June 9, 1870 – April 21, 1940)

Ida County Pioneer Record, Ida Grove, IA, Thurs., Apr 25, 1940, p.1, col.2
Alex Simpson, 69, Dies Suddenly on Sunday; Final Rites for Pioneer Resident Held Tuesday At Funeral Home
Ida Grove Tuesday afternoon paid final respects to Alex W. Simpson, 69-year-old merchant and tinsmith, who passed away suddenly Sunday morning at his home. Alexander Walker Simpson, son of Alexander and May Ann Simpson, born June 9, 1870 in Dunkeld, in the highlands of Scotland and passed away Sunday morning at 8:00 o’clock at his home on Burns street, at the age of 69 years, 11 months and 12 days of age. He attended the schools in Dundee until 14 years of age when he came to America with his parents, a sister and a brother, arriving in Ida Grove, Iowa in June 1884, where the family made their home and where he resided until his death. When a young man, he was employed at the William Smith Mills for several years, later working in the Fred Harms Hardware store where he learned his trade. In 1892 he went to work for William Mitchell in the Hardware business and two years later went into partnership with Mr. Mitchell and the firm of Mitchell & Simpson continued for 17 years. In 1911 he purchased the business from Mr. Mitchell and continued to operate it until 1920.
Married In 1902
He was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Porter, September 16, 1902, who has been his faithful companion for 38 years. The fall and winter of 1920 they spent on a vacation trip in California. When he returned he opened a tin shop at his home, where he continued to work at his trade. Mr. Simpson was prominent in Masonic orders being a member of Kane Lodge No.377 A.F. & A.M.; Syria chapter No.104 R.A.M.; Mizpah Commandery No.62 K.T.; Maple chapter No.337 O.E.S.; Mount Ida Shrine No.30 W.S.J.; and Abu Bekr Shrine of Sioux City. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian church in Ida Grove and had been a trustee of that church for many years. Also a member of the Ida Grove Fire Department. He was a charter member of the Shrine Band in Sioux City, with which he and Mrs. Simpson made trips to all parts of the United States. He was instrumental in the organizing and one of the founders of the famous band and was affectionately call its “father.” Mr. Simpson also assisted the last P.E. Prior in organizing the Boys Band which was the beginning of the high school band. He leaves to mourn their loss, his loving wife, one sister, Mrs. W. D. Cameron and a brother, Thomas Simpson, nine nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Friendly Disposition
Mr. Simpson was of a friendly disposition and was a cheerful companion. He loved his home and its surroundings. Having no children of his own, he took special interest in his nieces and nephews and his home was always open to relatives and friends, who enjoyed the generous hospitality. He had been failing in health the past year and Sunday morning about five o’clock he suffered a heart attack from which he did not rally and for two hours his suffering was intense. Funeral services were held on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at Moore Bros. Funeral Home with Rev. Wilbur F. Swan officiating. Mrs. Stanley J. Mead played “Goodnight and Good Morning,” Hugh Ford sang “Sunrise Tomorrow” accompanied by Mrs. Mead, who also played in closing “Where They Never Say Goodbye.” The Knights Templar formed an escort and accompanied members of the Kane lodge to the Cemetery where the Masonic burial services were conducted. Pall bearers were Wm. H. Young, Albert Bird, Will Cross, Ray Miller, Henry Weise and Fred Ford. Those attending the funeral from a distance were: Kenneth Spayde, Wm. DeGowyer, Ralph Henderson, Mose E. Reed, Clifford C. Clifton, Mrs. Cora Sundberg, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. V. Porter, Sioux City; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Larking, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Payne, Moville; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Rice, Mapleton; Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Howard, Schaller; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Miller, Alta; Mrs. Ed. Potteiger, Mr. and Mrs. John Oxendale, Mrs. L. Oxendale, Odebolt; W. Julius, Storm Lake; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Inglis, Cambridge; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Reade, Onslow; Mrs. Merl Meeks, Martelle; Miss Jane Inglis, Wyoming; Luther Inglis, Hale; Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Batchelor, Peterson; Mrs. E. R. Lawhead, Windom, Minn; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Dodge, Allen, Nebr; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Michaelsen, Correctionville; Mrs. Edmund Will and son and Mrs. Thelka Kirchels, Holstein.