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


THOMAS JACKSON SIMPSON. One of Fresno county's native sons, Mr. Simpson is a son of John 
G. Simpson, a pioneer of California, who came here from Missouri, the state of his nativity, in 
1850, the long journey being made via the southern route. Mr. Simpson was accompanied by 
ex-Governor Edwards, of Missouri. The winter of 1850-51 was spent in New Mexico, the trip 
being renewed in the spring. Arriving at Stockton, Mr. Simpson there worked at teaming until 
1855, when he removed to Millerton and engaged in the livery business until 1858, when he 
sold out and started a stock business in partnership with J. N. Musick. This association was 
continued until 1865, at which time the firm dissolved partnership and Mr. Simpson continued 
in the stock business alone until his death. In 1856 he was in the Indian campaign in Tulare 
county, and in every way took an active part in the pioneer work of the state. His death, at the 
early age of forty-seven years, was much regretted by all. He was one of the first stockmen to 
locate on Dry creek, and was one of the early supervisors of that county. He purchased land at 
what is now Academy, and before his death accumulated nearly six thousand acres. He was 
one of the builders of the Academy on Dry creek, being a director of the company. This school 
was for years one of the best in the state. In fraternal relations he was a member of the Odd 
Fellows and in politics was a stanch Democrat. 

His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah M. Baley. She was a native of Missouri and a daughter 
of W. Wright Baley, a brother of Judge Gillam, who came to California in 1849. Mr. Baley crossed 
the plains and settled at Visalia, where he was for some years engaged in teaming between the 
latter place and Stockton. He died at his home on Dry creek. His wife died at her home near 
Academy. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were born seven children, as follows: Mary K., who married Henry 
Hazelton and has since died; William, who was drowned in the canal near Sanger while bathing; 
Thomas J., our subject; Marvin, John G. and George P., all living at Academy ; Lizzie, the wife of 
John Fly, a stockman living at Academy. 

Thomas J. Simpson was born July 13, 1866. His early life was spent on the farm, while his 
education was received in the academy at Academy. When but eleven years of age his father 
died and from that time until he left home he took an active part in the work of the farm. At the 
age of twenty he started out to make his own way in the world, beginning as a sheep rancher 
on rented land fourteen miles from Fresno. In 1886 he bought five hundred head of sheep 
from John Baley 's partner, the partnership thus formed continuing for two years, when Mr. 
Baley sold out to William R. Simpson. In 1889 T. J. Simpson disposed of his interest in the 
business to his brother, William R., they owning at the time five thousand head of sheep. Soon 
after selling, Mr. Simpson became interested in the cattle business and a little later established 
his brand, "P. L.," which is known all through the cattle country. He has nine hundred acres of 
land on Dry creek, below Academy, which is all fenced and improved. Here he is engaged in an 
extensive grain business, although the place is rented, making it possible for Mr. Simpson to 
devote his entire time to his cattle interests. His range is located in the Sierras, about eighteen 
miles east of his ranch, where he and his brother own valuable range land. 

In Academy Mr. Simpson married Miss Eleanor Ann Perry, a native daughter of Fresno county. 
Her father, Peter Perry, settled here and engaged in farming on Kings river. ' To Mr. and Mrs. 
Simpson have been born the following children : Edwin R., Ina May, Thomas Russell, Hugh, 
Annie Laurie. Mary Elizabeth and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church South, Mr. Simpson being a member of the official board. In politics he is a 
Democrat, but has never cared to enter the arena of public life, but at all times has been found 
ready and willing to perform the duties devolving upon him as a citizen. His success in life is the 
result of his own efforts, and while he is still a young man, he is considered one of the 
substantial residents of the county and is very popular with all his associates.