James Laurel Simpson

b. 16 April 1860, d. 17 January 1923
  • James Laurel Simpson was born on 16 April 1860 in Canada.
  • Thomas Simpson and Jennett Brown appeared in the New York state census of 1 June 1865 in Erie County, New York. Other members of the household included James Laurel Simpson, Thomas R. Simpson, William H. Simpson, Arthur Simpson and Jean Craig.
  • Thomas Simpson and Jennett Brown, appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, and it appears that Jean Craig Simpson has been identified as Jennett Brown (?).. Other members of the household included James Laurel Simpson, Thomas R. Simpson, William H. Simpson, John L. Simpson and Jean Craig Simpson.
  • Thomas Simpson and Jennett Brown appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, at 470 Bouck (later Lafayette). Other members of the household included James Laurel Simpson, Thomas R. Simpson, John L. Simpson, Jean Craig Simpson, Arthur Burtis Simpson, Alexander Burtis Simpson, William H. Simpson, Mary Cannon and William Richard Simpson. Son Thomas also was enumerated in Cattaraugus County with his wife Elizabeth and daughter Jessie. Also, son William and wife and child are enumerated in both places.
  • He was a plumber, according to the 1880 census.
  • He married Lenora Virginia Langfitt, daughter of Silas Langfitt and Agnes Doak, say 1893.
  • James Laurel Simpson became a widower at the 4 August 1899 death of his wife Lenora Virginia Langfitt.
  • James Laurel Simpson appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in McElroy District, Tyler County, West Virginia, boarding in the household of Frank and Mary Prenatt. Also living in the household was Louise Prenett, his future wife.
  • He was a stationary fireman, according to the 1900 census.
  • He married Mary Louise Prenatt, daughter of Francois Xavier Prenatt and Mary Felicita Brunot, circa 1901.
  • He officially witnessed the death of Frances Virginia Simpson on 23 October 1907 in Pine Grove, Wetzel County, West Virginia.
  • In November 1907, in Erie County, New York, Thomas Simpson's estate was probated, naming his heirs at law and next of kin surviving: Janet Simpson (age 73, Wife, Buffalo, New York), Thomas Simpson (age 52, Son, Pine Valley, New York), William Simpson (age 50, Son, Olean, New York), James Simpson (age 47, Son, Pine Grove, West Virginia), John Simpson (age 42, Son, Chicago, Illinois), Arthur Simpson (age 36, Son, Long Island City, New York), Jennie S. Dunn (age 38, Daughter, Buffalo, New York), Alexander Simpson (age 34, Son, Jamaica, New York).
  • In April 1908, in Erie County, New York, Janet Simpson's estate was probated, naming his heirs at law and next of kin surviving: Thomas Simpson (age 52, Son, South Dayton, New York), William Simpson (age 50, Son, Olean, New York), James Simpson (age 48, Son, Pine Grove, West Virginia), John Simpson (age 46, Son, Chicago, Illinois), Arthur Simpson (age 41, Son, Long Island City, New York), Jennie S. Dunn (age 39, Daughter, Buffalo, New York), Alexander Simpson (age 34, Son, Jamaica, New York).
  • James Laurel Simpson and Mary Louise Prenatt appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Pine Grove, Grant District, Wetzel County, West Virginia, at Hill Street His brother Arthur was also living in Pine Grove in 1910.. Other members of the household included Silas Earl Simpson, Jennette Langfitt Simpson, Marie Jean Simpson, Mary Louise Simpson, James Lowry Simpson and Nettie A. Prenatt.
  • He was a pipeline foreman, according to the 1910 census.
  • He officially witnessed the death of Silas Earl Simpson on 1 April 1912 in Pine Grove, West Virginia.
  • James Laurel Simpson and Mary Louise Prenatt appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in Pine Grove, Grant District, Wetzel County, West Virginia. Other members of the household included Marie Jean Simpson, Mary Louise Simpson, Ruth F. Simpson, William Edwin Simpson and Margaret Simpson.
  • He was a pipeline fireman with Hope Natural Gas Company, according to the 1920 census.
  • James Laurel Simpson died on 17 January 1923 at age 62 in Pine Grove, West Virginia, . His death was officially witnessed by Mary Louise Prenatt.
  • Mary Louise Prenatt became a widow at his death.
  • He was interred at Lowe Cemetery, Pine Grove, Wetzel County, West Virginia.
  • Last Edited: 28 Apr 2014

Family 1: Lenora Virginia Langfitt b. 12 August 1867, d. 4 August 1899

Family 2: Mary Louise Prenatt b. 10 August 1875, d. 1 August 1962