The Republican journal., 1876-06-22
Particulars OF the Death of Josiah r
Simpson

We mentioned, Il few weeks ago, the death
by drowning i'll Nicaragua, of Mr.. Simpson.
Since then the papers of that region have come
to hand, with accounts of the accident by
which Mr.. S. lost his life. The following is Il
TRANSACTIONS from FL Porvenir de Nicaragua, of
April 18th
Last Tuesday we received the sad Intelligence
OF the death by drowning Of Mr.. J. r. Simpson,
who, as most OF our readers know, was the
manager OF the line Of steamers plying between
Granada and GreytoWn. On the evening Of
the 10Th, Mr.. Simpson left Castillo for Grey
town in a small steam launch Shortly before
daylight on the following morning, while near
ing the Colorado river, the launch ran ashore
on bar at a place called The Pockets. by rea-
son of two deep holes in the river, with Il sand
bank between them rising nearly TO the surface.
Mr.. Simpson and Mr.. Chamoro, tone of the Off
GERS of the line) Immediately stripped and Ell
tered the shallow water in search of the chan
mel. After grouping about in the darkness q
few minutes. they both fell into the deep water
together. Chamoro struggled maufuly to keep
Mr.. S. above water, but The latter being in i'll
health and unable to assist himself, they both
soon sank together. Mr.. Chamoro reappeared
ut The surface, and was rescued by some par
ties in a canoe who happened to be near, but
whose presence was unknown previous to the
| accident Mr.. Simpson never reappeared. The
river was dragged for several days, but all ef-
forts TO recover his body were unsuccessful.
Mr. ;. came to this country in 1866. lie was
employed some four years in the ChontaeS gold
| mines, erecting quartz machinery; and in 1870
came to Managua AID engaged in the cultivation
of coffee. In 1871 he conceived the idea of sup
! plying the city of MaSaya with water, their only
/ previous supply having teen the limited guam
| tlly brought by Indians up the toilsome path
way from Lake Ma>aya Notwithstanding the
| many difficulties he met with in the prosecution
| OF this PROJECT, few months from its first con-
| ccption saw the inhabitants of Masava rejoicing
| in b0untiful supply of water, pumped into a
| large tank i'll the chief square of the city. The
enterprise and cnelgy of Mr.. Simpson has add
ed greatly TO the prosperity of the city, the
| abundance and cheapncss of water facilitating
the erection Of bindings and bringing many
people TO reside in the town who found it UNI
bearable before, notwithstanding its elevated
position and healthy climate. This city mani
| tested It's sorrow for the loss it had sustained
| by drapng the public buildings in mourning
| for several DAYS.
| several years ago Mr.. Simpson erected in this
| city an establishment for hulling coffee. saving
| lumber casting bells &C., turning out a class
ahd variety OF work never seen in this country
| before, and manufacturing many articles tina t
| had been previously imported. To-day the
commodous and elegant buildings of this es-
Enlistment adorn our city and form the chief
attraction to visitors. Oft shall the shrill note
of the steam whistle recall to mind the gener-
Gus friend who Is lost to US forever.
About Il year ago Mr. Simpson purchased the
line of steamers running between Granada and
Greytown All who have had dealings with
! him in connection with this last enterprise can
testify TO the promptness with which the trans
portation of passengers and freight has been
carried on. His failing health compelled him
TO abandon the business and he sold the steam
erS, intending to take an extended tour in Eu-
| rope to regain his health, and was making his
last trip in connection with this line. when he
met with the sad accident which caused his
death.