SIMPSON, JOHN A.

SIMPSON, PATTERSON, ANTCLIFF, PEACY, REIMERS, BRONSON

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 7/27/2003 at 17:21:50

Biography reproduced from page 707 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Among the more prominent farmers and extensive raisers of live stock in Kossuth county is John A. Simpson, living in Whittemore township, where he owns and operates seventeen hundred and fifty acres of land. He was born in Orleans county, Vermont, July 25, 1856, a son of Alexander and Margaret (Patterson) Simpson, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father came to this country in an early day with his parents at the age of six years. The family located in Vermont where the grandfather of our subject took up farming, remaining in that occupation until his death, which occurred in 1875. The grandmother passed away in 1870. The father remained at home with his parents until he attained his majority and then secured employment on neighboring farms for several years, after which he bought a farm of his own in Vermont. This he continued to cultivate and improve until 1871, when he sold out in that state and settled in Illinois. He obtained a good piece of land in that state and upon it he erected suitable improvements, cultivating it in an up-to-date manner and making his residence thereon until his death, which occurred in 1892. The mother survived him, passing away in 1908.

John A. Simpson was reared and then secured employment in Vermont until he attained the age of fifteen years, when he removed with his parents to Illinois where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He then went to Indiana and rented a farm, which he operated for ten years, conducting a system of diversified farming and stock-raising. He came to Kossuth county, Iowa, in September 1882, and bought six hundred and ninety-six acres of land in Whittemore township, but did not take up his home here permanently until 1885. He then began to improve the place and has since made that farm his home. He had added to his original purchase until he now owns seventeen hundred and fifty acres, all in Whittemore township. He is extensively engaged in stock-raising, keeping from two to four hundred head of cattle, about sixty-five head of horses and raises several hundred head of hogs each year. He is a stockholder in the Whittemore Cooperative Creamery Company and takes an active interest in the management of that concern.

Mr. Simpson was married in April, 1875, to Miss Eliza Antcliff, a daughter of John and Mary (Peacy) Antcliff, both natives of Indiana. The father came to this county at an early day and located in Lockport, Illinois, where he was employed for a considerable period, after which he removed to Will county, Illinois, forty miles south of Chicago, and bought land at two dollars and a half per acre, which he set about improving and cultivating. He operated this farm until 1895, when he retired from active life. His death occurred December 25, 1911, the mother passing away in October, 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have been born five children, as follows: Alice, the wife of W. F. Reimers, of Whittemore, Iowa; Grace, who married F. A. Bronson, a resident of Great Falls, Montana; Wallis, operating one of his father’s farms; Harvey, living at home; and Ave, attending the Whittemore school.

In his political opinions Mr. Simpson is a republican. He has taken a reasonably active part in political affairs and has served as a trustee of the township in which he lives for many years. He was also elected township clerk but resigned the position. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Mrs. Simpson belongs to the Methodist church and the members of the family regularly attend services held there. The career of Mr. Simpson is quite a remarkable one, starting out as he did practically without funds and with nothing upon which to depend except the results of his hands and brain. His efforts, however, were well directed and as he was diligent in business as well as wise in the management of all of his affairs he gained steadily until he is now one of the heaviest taxpayers in Kossuth county. He has always been a good citizen, has devoted a reasonable part of his time to matters of public interest and has ever given his aid and influence toward the building up of a substantial and loyal citizenship in Kossuth county. He is well known throughout the county, has a large number of friends and is among the most respected citizens of the community.