Thomas R. Simpson

Thomas R. Simpson

Thomas R Simpson, 1855-1924

• Father: Thomas Simpson b. circa 8 January 1833, d. 12 November 1907
• Mother: Jennett Brown b. 16 June 1834, d. 23 April 1908

• Thomas R. Simpson was born on 10 March 1855 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
• Apparently the Simpson family resided for a short time in Canada around 1860 (after living in Pittsburgh and before taking up residence in Buffalo), based on the stated birthplace of son James and the apparent absence of the family from the 1860 US census.
• 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 Thomas R. Simpson, William H. Simpson, James Laurel 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 Thomas R. Simpson, William H. Simpson, James Laurel Simpson, John L. Simpson and Jean Craig Simpson.
• He was a wagon maker, according to the 1870 census.
• He married Elizabeth Appenheimer, daughter of Philip Appenheimer and Vernia Neef, on 22 December 1875.
• According to a History of Cattaraugus County, published in 1879, T. R. Simpson, R.D., was one of the eleven charter member and principal officers of Valley Lodge No. 704, Knights of Honor, instituted 1 August 1877 at Pine Valley.
• 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 Thomas R. Simpson, James Laurel 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.
• Thomas R. Simpson and Elizabeth Appenheimer appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in South Dayton, Cattaraugus County, New York, and Thomas is also enumerated as an unmarried son with his family in Buffalo.. Other members of the household included Jessie Simpson and John Appenheimer.
• He was a wagon maker, according to the 1880 census.
• In a History of Dayton, published in 1901, T. R. Simpson, South Dayton, is listed in the Directory of Taxable Inhabitants of the Town of Dayton.
• 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).
• The following appeared on 11 June 1908 in The Cherry Creek News: (South Dayton) Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Simpson, Miss Marion Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Simpson and son Robert of Buffalo were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Simpson Sunday.
• Thomas R. Simpson and Elizabeth Appenheimer appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in South Dayton, New York, enumerated near their daughter Ruth Hale.. Other members of the household included Florence Agnes Simpson.
• He was an agent for a stone crushing company, according to the 1910 census.
• Thomas R. Simpson became a widower at the 9 September 1912 death of his wife Elizabeth Appenheimer.
• Thomas R. Simpson died on 14 February 1924 at age 68 in Rochester, New York.
• He was interred at Villenova Cemetery, Balcom Corners, Chautauqua County, New York.
• The following appeared in The Historical and Biographical History of Dayton, Cattaraugus County, New York (1901):
       Thomas R. Simpson. One of the first persons to locate in South Dayton after the advent of the railroad was Thomas R. Simpson. He was born in Pittsburg, Pa., March 10, 1855. When fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the trade of carriage maker and wood worker. He worked at this until Auigust 1875, when he came to Pine Valley September 16, purchased and erected a building which he occupied as a home and a shop combined. He did a prosperous business until 1893, when he accepted a lucrative position as a general salesman for Austin Westner Co. of Chicago, manufacturers of all kinds of street and road making machinery, contractors' supplies, etc. Mr. Simpson has the territory comprising the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota and is a very energetic and successful salesman, in fact, one of the firms best representatives. He married December 22 1875, Elizabeth Appenheimer of Buffalo. Their children are Arthur R., born July 22, 1877, he died February 20, 1878; Jessie F., born September 26, 1878 (see educational); Thomas P., born January 23, 1881; Ruth A., born May 29, 1888; Agnes, born March 11, 1895. Mr. Simpson is an enthusiastic republican and while an active resident of the town, was a potent factor in all political campaigns.

• Last Edited: 15 Jan 2016