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SIMPSON FAMILY IN LEE COUNTY
Births, Marriages & Deaths
Contributed by Frank Best
Thomas J. SIMPSON was born 8 October 1841 in Tn.,
and was brought by his parents up the Mississippi on a steamboat in 1843,
landing at Montrose in the month of May. Harmon SIMPSON, his father, was born
in S.C. and was married to miss Margaret TRAIDOR, who
was born in Warren Co. Ky. They had nine children: Thomas J. was fourth in
order of birth, and the only surviving member of the family being one sister,
Mrs. Margaret SNIVELY of Burlington, Iowa.
At the time Mr. SIMPSON immigrated to Iowa with his parents, and settled in
Montrose Twp., there were many Indians encamped on the ground now owned by Mr.
OWEN. His father was friendly with them and traded and mingled with them to his
own profit and their convenience. He was among the earliest settlers of
Montrose Twp and died 4 January 1861. Mr. SIMPSON is a descendant from a family
noted for their bravery. His maternal great-grandfather, a Mr. CUMMINS, served
in the Rev. War. The mother of Mr. SIMPSON departed this life 19 May 1888. Mr.
SIMPSON'S parents were members of the church of Latter Day Saints, and both saw
the Prophet, Joseph SMITH and his brother Hiram after their assassination at
Carthage.
Thomas J.
SIMPSON was a student in a subscription school before the day of public instruction., At the time the Civil War broke out, Mr.
SIMPSON was employed as a farm laborer. In January 1862, he enlisted in Co. B,. 17th
Iowa Volunteer Infantry and
served Uncle Sam as a private until 12 September 1861. He was mustered into
service at Keokuk to serve three years
or during the war. His regiment was assigned to the Army of Tn. He took part in
the siege of Corinth, the battle
of Iuka, Champion Hill and Chattanooga and received an honorable discharge at
Keokuk,12 September 1862, on account
of disability. He re-enlisted 25 February 1864, as a private in Co. C. 3rd Iowa Volunteer cavalry, a part of
the Army of the West. He participated in the Guntown
expedition and the battle of Cupolo,
Mississippi, also many other
engagements of less importance. He was honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa in July 1865, on account of
the close of the war. When he regained a portion of his health after the close
of the Civil War, he enlisted in the
regular Army and was stationed at Ft. Wadsworth, Dakota, then on the far
frontier. After his military career, he came back
to Montrose, where he was engaged in hotel work. Was a member of Tip Best Post No. 75 of the Grand Army of
the Republic. His dearth occurred at his home here 7
May 1918. Buried Montrose in the family plot.
Mary Ann was the sister to Thomas
J. Simpson and she is my Great Great Grandmother)
Mrs. Mary Ann Cooper was born April 16, 1833 in Gibson County, TN. She came to Iowa the 20th of May 1843. This has been her home most of the time since.
Was married to Nelson Cooper July 1857.
Born to this union eight children six of whom survive. Her husband
preceded her to the grave Sep 10, 1888
Buried April 14 in Montrose Cemetery
Montrose, Iowa.
Sermon by William Lambert of Reorganized Latter Day Saints Church
Nelson Cooper was born in 1829 in Davidson Co.
NC - Died Sep 10, 1888
Margaret Trainer Simpson
Thomas J. Simpson's mother
Born in Lexington KY. in 1811. Died died 19 May, 1888 in Montrose Iowa.