Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-26
ONE OF THE SURVIVORS.
Death of Presley Simpson, a Defender
of the War of 1912.

Death of Presley Simpson, a Defender
of the War of 1912.
In The Star of Friday last brief dispatch
from Louisville, KY, mentioned the death
at Paris. KY, of Presley Simpson, one Of
the three survivors of the war of 1872 His
death occurred Thursday. December 81 $50
am, at the home of one Of His married
daughters, Mrs. Harriet E. Ford, in the en-
virons Of Paris, Ky. Presley Simpson for
many years was well known here as q citi-
zen and as a prominent Methodist. He was
born at Walnut Hill, Fairfax county, Va,
January 8. 1885, of a sterling race, and was
the survivor Of a numerous family, most Of
whom lived to ripe old age.
War of 1S12.
When Virginia was called upon to fur
nish her contingent of troops to help de-
fend this city against the British in the
war of 1872 he formed part Of that con-
tingent and did full duty as a soldier for
his country. and became a great favorite
among his fellow soldiers.
After the war ended, in company with
others, he emigrated to Kentucky, and
there entered into business but, influenced
by the entreaties of his mother and sisters
relinquished prospects in Kentucky and re-
turned to his home. All his companions
who remained became distinguished sons Of
Kentucky. but have been dead many years.
oooh al teT lie IStuTucu ne went 10 AleXau-
dria. then in the District, and entered a
business house there, one Of the descend
ants of which. now resident here, retains
pleasant recollections of him.
Church Work.
In October, 1916. he united with the Meth
odst Episcopal Church and was a Metho-
dist for more than seventy-seven years
While In Alexandria he accepted a position
in the city post office under Daniel Bryan,
marriage to Miss Mary II. Riffets Of Phila-
delphia and related to the Harpers, then a
numerous family in Alexandria. He was
the father of two sons and two daughters.
one son dying IN Georgetown in 81. The
other three children survive him.
Moved Here.
In 1877 he was appointed to a clerkship
in the sixth auditors office. when he NOV
ed from Alexandria and made his home in
Georgetown. In '33 he moved over to Wash
ington and united with the old Foundry
Church, where for many years he was an
active and prominent member, filling the
positions of sunday school superintendent,
trustee steward and class leader He was
always the friend and safe counsellor of the
preacher in charge; conservative in his
views and of a constant and answering
fidelity to his church and all her interests;
upright in every particular of life, his de-
scendants are honored by such parentage.
In the building of new Methodist churches
in the years past he was more or less an
active and interested participant and aided
in those of Ryland, Union. McKendree and
others. His position !nthe department was
one of great responsibility.
Under change Of administration in 1861
he, with others, lost his office, and soon
after, with his wife. removed to Kentucky
where he made his home with one Of his
daughters, and where he has continued to
reside until the day of his death. In Paris
where he was well known. no citizen was
more esteemend than was he.
He leaves mourning him and rejoicing In
the beautiful life he has ever shown, two
daughters in Kentucky. and Edward F.
Simpson the father of G.. Varied Simpson
who. with their descendants, number nearly
two score.