John W. Simpson

Other Events:

• Military: LengthOfService: 0 Yrs 8 Mos 0 Days; MilitaryCompany: E; Rank: Sergeant
• Military: ServiceNumber: 1112130; SideOfWar: Union; SurvivedWar: Yes
• Military Enlistment: Rank: Private
• Military Muster: Information: Enlisted; MilitaryCompany: E; MilitaryUnit: 2909; Regiment: U.S. Colored Troops 24th Infantry; RegimentType: Infantry
• Military Muster Out: Information: Mustered Out
• Military Rank Change: Rank: Sergt
• Race: Black
• Race: Mulatto
• Role: Veteran
• Name: John W Simpson
• Name: John W Simpson
• Name: John W Simpson
• Name: John W Simpson
• Military: 1865; MilitaryServiceBranch: Infantry; MilitaryUnit: 24th U.S. Colored Infantry
• Military Enlistment: 23 Feb 1865
• Military Muster: 23 Feb 1865
• Military Rank Change: 26 Feb 1865
• Military Discharge: 1 Oct 1865
• Military Muster Out: 1 Oct 1865
• Residence: 1870, Ward 7, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; 36 Age: 36; MaleCitizenOverTwentyone: Yes; Boot Maker Occupation: Boot Maker
• Residence: 1880, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA; StreetAddress: Short St; 44 Age: 44; Bootmaker Occupation: Bootmaker; EnumerationDistrict: 095; Married MaritalStatus: Married; Self RelationToHead: Head
• Census: 1890
• Residence: Jun 1890, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA; EnumerationDistrict: 51

Notes:

Birth and death locations provided by contributor #47232469.
Contributor #48415765 provided his first name and birthdate.

From the Harrisburg Telegraph (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) - April 8, 1899
Major J. W. Simpson, one of the best known and most popular colored residents of this city, and widely known throughout the state, died yesterday at his home, 665 Briggs Street. Major Simpson has been confined to his bed for some time and death was due to a complication of diseases. Deceased was born in Philadelphia, 64 years ago. He received a public school education and from the start showed an inclination to become a public man. He entered politics as soon as he was able to vote and his speeches were in demand. During the Civil War, Major Simpson became sergeant of the Twenty-fourth regiment, United States Volunteers, under Captain Morton Kellog. After having been honorably discharged he joined the Twelfth Infantry, National Guard of Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonel Wagner, and was soon after made a major. He had the honor of being the first colored man to hold a state clerkship and was a clerk in the land office under Surveyor General Robert B. Beath, during 1872 - 75. At this time he removed to Harrisburg and soon became very prominent in public affairs in this city, taking active part in public school work. He was one of the projectors of the Lincoln school building. Major Simpson organized Post No. 520, Grand Army of the Republic and became its first commander and represented the post in several state and national gatherings. For two consecutive terms he was the grand master of the Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. During his administrations many new lodges were organized and all the old ones increased in membership and received new impetus. He was a grand master of Chosen Friends Lodge, No. 43, Free and Accepted Masons of this city.

Deceased was also an Odd Fellow, becoming a member of the Patriarchie , Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. For many years he was a trustee of Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 896, and greatly assisted that lodge in securing the very desirable property which it now owns. He represented his lodge in the B. M. C., the national assembly, at Cincinnati, Washington and Philadelphia.

He was alderman of the Eighth Ward, preceding Charles Walter, the present incumbent. A wife and daughter, Miss Marie, survive. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from State Street A. M. E. Church. Masons, Odd Fellows and Grand Army of the Republic members will attend in a body.

Buried:
Lincoln Cemetery

Family/Spouse: Mary Simpson. Mary was born in 1844 in Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Morie Antointe Simpson was born in 1866 in Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA.