Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1903-04-22
OBITUARY.



Gilbert E Simpson, a weIknown and
highly-respected citizen o. Sullivan.
whose death vas reported In THE AMER
IcAN OF Aprii s, was born In Ess. Sullivan
Aug 10, 1881, in the house built by his
grandfather, who came here from York.
He was the son OF Jabez and Prudence
Downing Simpson, and the youngest OF
nine children, only one OF whom, sur
wives him, an aged sister, Miss Joan
Simpson.
IL Is said his first days at school were
n st happy, but when development came
sn fl cieHtly for him to grasp cause and
n sct, until the brain became weary with
much thinking, no problem OF life and
its realities was too complex for him to
rain the sesrch-light OF bis intellect
upon.
Mr. Simp son received bis entire educa-
ton In the SCHOOLS of his native town, be-
coming himself a teacher at an early age,
aud to. day many man holes his name
In grateful remembrance for having
aroused his ambition and showed him
possibilities within himself.
ne WIS Dcpts a. Actu. " Ei tsc
Amanda Stevens, OF steubsn, who
mas tenderly cared for him through
months aud years of failing health.
They went to Ohio soon after their mar
rage to visit his brother George, who
was spoken CT in those days as having
"goue West".
Mr., Simpson spent the six months OF
his visit teaching, numbering among his
pupils the Grosvenor boys, who afterward
became prominent in the history OF the
state.
He inherited his love OF surveying from
his father; by self teaching be became a
successful civil engineer, and was for many
years the only one in this section. He,
With his broi her Simon, cultivated the
broad acres OF the old homestead and
made it at that time one OF the finest farms
In Hancock county.
He was deputy collector OF customs for
Frenchman's bay for several terms, first
at Sullivan, later at Mt. Desert Ferry.
An ardent repu bican, he had the con-
fidepce OF the party teachers OF the
State. He was first seIectman for several
years in his democratic town. He was
county commissioner for several terms !;
represented his district in the legislature;
later was State senator two terms.
He executed with fidelity the trusts
given into his hands, and labored With
untiring energy for the betterment OF bis
town, county and State. He had been
district census-taker; agent for the col
lege land justice of the peace, and gen.
erai adviser in legal matters.
Failing health came In the prime of
life; the war horse still painted for the din
OF battle, but the body was too weak,
and these later years he has lived much
within himself, pondering upon the
deeper questions, for deaf was ever more
OF mystery to him than life.
In 1897 bis only child, Wilton H., died,
and from that time the fat her bowed in
his grief and only fought against disease.
Wien the deep sleep enveloped him,
which released the tired soul, bis friends
could only hope that he might wake 10
see the "pure river OF water OF life" and
know and understand.
He leaves five nieces and nine nephews,
who realize that personality has gone
out OF their lives who had much to do
with shaping their course.
Funeral services were held in the church
Monday afternoon, April 6, Rev. B. W.
Russell officiating.