Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1907-04-20

The serenity of the city was suddenly
broken about ten O'Clock this morning
by the announcement of the sudden
death of ex-Msyor George L. Simpson,
one of the most prominent and popular
gentlemen OF Alexandra. The deceased
proceeded TO his store this morning APP
parently in his normal health, and after
devotiug his attention for short time
to certain business affairs, went to bis
desk on the upper floor where he gener-
ally read the morning papers or enter
tanned friends. Shortly after he had
seated himself an sttsche Of the store
saw him throw his head back and gasp,
and realizing that he was ill, asked him
what helcould do for him. Mr. Simpson,
however, was virtually 10 the article OF
death at that time, and before DR.. Cor
man, who was summoned, arrived he
mad expired. His death WAS due to
apoplexy. Mr.. Simpson leaves a widow
end two sons.
A few minutes after bis death tele-
phone messages announcing the cad fact
were being sent to all sections OF this
city, while equally as many more were
being received from anxious fri.nds and
acquaintance inquiriug If the rumors
were correct or for the details in con-
neclion with his death.
Uoiversal expressions OF sorrow came
from many sincere lips when the news
was confirmed, and large concourse OF
people gathered in front Of the store of
the deceased on north Royal street. The
remains we're later removed to the resi-
dence, southwest corner of Cameron and
Columbus streets.
The Mayor hes called smeeting OF the
City Council tonight at s o'clock to take
suitable action regarding the death OF
Mr.. Simpson.
George L. Simpson was born in this
city O. years ago. He was son OF the
late Henry L. Simpson, who was him
self representative man for many years.
la early life be became associated with
his father 10 the boot and shoe business
at the old stand on the west side of Royal
street, near King, which has been an
Alexsndria landmark for over half a
century. The deceased had but entered
manhood when he was selected as one OF
the members OF the Common Council
from the Second ward, and few years
later represented Alexandria city in the
House OF Delegates OF Virginia. After
an iutermlssion In his political life oil
sbouttwenty years, he sgain entered the
arena and was chosen Mayor of the city
In 1897, and succeeded himself until
1904, when he failed OF re-election by
but few votes. Upon the res gnaton of
Mr. s. P. Fisher as Alderman from the
Third ward Mr.. Simpson was chosen as
hls successor. As had ever been his
course while 10 political life, be de-
voted his undivided attention TO the
duties incumbent upon him. Like
Epamiaondas OF old, whom he OCCASION
ali, quoted, be faithfully performed his
dui,s whether his position wa. exalted
or humble, and he has did IN the publ c
service. Mr.. Simpson was genial
companion, hls nature at times savoring
of the jocular, and he made mSny friends,
to whom he was always true, sill Of
| whom were shocked and grieved to hear
| of his sudden death. MIR. Simpson was
member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church SJuth. The deceased had been
for many years a member Of Oriental
Lodge, Heights Of Pythias, # this city.
and he hsd psssed through all the chairs
of the Grand Lodge.
The death of Mr.. Simpson brings to
MUD the sad fact that death has been
uausnally busy 10 the Board of Aldermen
of the city OF Alexandra within the past
Two months. N. 2. I. Burke was
stricken WITH apoplexy aud died Feb
rusry IL. He was followed by President
| John T. Sw' euey last Tuesday, and four
days l,ter Mr.. Simpson has been called
upon to pay the debt Of nature. An
hour and half previous to his death
| Mr.. Geo. w Schsfer, the popular Mes
senger of the Board of Aldermen, ex.
pred at the Alexandria Hospital after a
4 abort illneas