My Genealogy Hound

SIMPSON, DR. J. F. proprietor Occidental Hotel, S. Main st., Carrollton, Ill. Dr. J. F. Simpson is a native of Virginia; born in Rapahannock Co., Oct. 10, 1814. His father was Hendley Simpson, who was born in Loudoun Co., Virginia, growing to manhood with wealth and a position in society second to none. He married in Culpepper Co., Miss Elizabeth Farrow, a daughter of John and Margaret Farrow. James, whose fortunes we now follow, passed his early years in Virginia, where he entered upon the study of materia medica. In 1835, his parents moved from Virginia to the central part of Illinois, Macoupin Co., Medora, where he completed his medical studies under Dr. Farrow. In due course of time he became a practicing physician. In 1837, he moved to Carrollton, where he opened up a general merchandise store, where he continued several years. In 1840, he purchased the drug store of Buel G. Wheeler, and for eight years conducted a successful drug trade. Disposing of his interest, he now turned his attention to the practice of his profession. Since this date his honorable career here, where he has practiced as a physician for a period of thirty-five years, is well known. He has always been a warm advocate of temperance, and his unselfish devotion to the poor and oppressed, have made him an honored name. For twenty years he has been identified as an officer of the county’s poor. In 1872, his name was put forward for the office of Penitentiary Com., on the Prohibition ticket; in 1874, he became the nominee for State Treasurer, and in 1876, his name was put forward for Governor of the State; a member of the Sons of Temperance, in 1860, he held, during one term, the position of Grand Worthy Patriarch of the division. As proprietor of the Occidental Hotel, of this city, his urbane manners and well known energy have brought him the patronage of the commercial and business public, who appreciate the kind attention vouchsafed by the Dr. and his excellent lady.