California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


 EDWARD SIMPSON. Possessing an unlimited amount of energy, push and ability, Ed Simpson, 
as he is familiarly known to a host of friends and well-wishers, is one of the most active, 
promising and popular young business men of Newman, and enjoys to a high degree the 
esteem and confidence of the community. Of English descent, he was born in Central City, 
Gilpin county, Colo., a son of Thomas Simpson. His Grandfather Simpson, a life long resident of 
England, assisted as a stone mason in building one or more large aqueducts, and under the 
employ of Robert Stephenson, was foreman in the construction of the first railroad built in his 
native country. 

Born and reared in Westmoreland county, England, Thomas Simpson learned the trade of a 
stone mason from his father. Immigrating to the United States, he followed his trade in Galena, 
Ill., for a few years. Crossing the plains to Pike's Peak in 1859, he located at Central City, where 
he worked for a while, but was afterward engaged in contract work, building stamp mills at 
Blackhawk, Central City, Gold Hill, Sunshine, and in other localities. He subsequently engaged in 
mining on his own account, after which he was city marshal of Central City for two terms, and 
then assistant marshal until failing health compelled him to return to Denver, Colo., where he 
resided until his death, in December, 1886. He was a most loyal and faithful Republican. He 
married Sarah Snow, who was born in Devonshire, England, and came to this country with her 
father, Robert Snow, a brewer, who settled in Galena, Ill., where lie was employed in lead 
mining until his death. She survived her husband many years, dying in Newman, Cal., in 1902. Of 
the children born of their union, three sons and two daughters grew to years of maturity, and 
with the exception of one daughter, are still living. 

Living in Central City, Colo., until eleven years of age, Ed Simpson there acquired the rudiments 
of his education. On going to Denver, he attended school for a few terms, and was afterward 
employed as a messenger boy in that city. Coming to California in 1887, he lived at Hills Ferry 
two years, in 1889 settling in Newman, where he has since resided. Entering the employ of J. C. 
Green in 1889, Mr. Simpson learned the trade of a plumber, and in 1893 started in the plumbing 
business on his own account, and as a contractor, plumber and tinner has met with great 
success. 

Mr. Simpson is an important and influential member of several fraternal organizations, 
belonging to Newman Lodge No. 139, K. of P., of which he is a past officer, and to the 
Uniformed Rank, and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he is 
actively identified with the Republican party, and in its ranks no truer or more intelligent 
supporter of its principles can be found. He is an ex-member of the Republican county central 
committee, and for two years belonged to its executive board.