The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-07-17
COL. R. (. SIMPSON DEAD.
FIRST PRESIDENT OF CLEMSON
COLLEGE BOARD.
Leader i'm lIamptOn's Fight-SIcmber
of Wallace House i'm 1876. Funeral
VIII be Held i'm PendIeton Friday.

Anderson, July 11.-Col Richard
w. Simpson. first president Of the
board of trustees of Clemson college,
who held this position until few
years ago, when he voluntarily re-
signed, died this morning in a sani-
tarlum in Atlanta, Ga, where he had
gone in hopes of recovery. He had
been in failing health for several
years, and his death today was not
unexpected. The body was brought to
Calhoun this afternoon, and tonight
1t rests in his home at Pendelton. The
funeral services will be held tomor-
row at noon in the Methodist church
OF Pendelton, of which he was a
member, and interment will be in the
family burial grounds on the Simp-
son farm, three mites from Pendle-
ton.
Col. Simpson was born in Pendel-
ton in 1910, his father. r. F. Simp-
son, being an eXcongressman and a
major in the Greek Indian war. After
ilnishing the classes Of the Pendleton
schools, he went TO Wofford, from
which he was graduated in 1861, Just
as the war was breaking out. He en-
tered the service Of the Confederate
army, enlisting in Company A. Third
south Carolina regiment. On account
Of poor health he returned home
after serving two years. Later he
joined Maj. Adams battalion of cav
airy and did gallant service until the
war ended.
When the war closed Col. Simpson
engaged in farming. In 1874 he went
to the legislature and while there was
admitted to the bar. He was reelected
for second term and was one of
the seven members who in 10 broke
down the doors of the house of repre-
sentatives while the radical house was
In session and led the Democrats in.
He was one OF the most active spirits
of that revolution which restored the
State to white rule. He was mem
Der of the Wallace house.
In 1880 Col. simpson retired from
politics but before retiring he exert
ed every effort in his power to found
college for poor boys of the State.
He was confidential attorney for
fhOs. G.. Clemson, founder of Glenn
son college. and son-in-law Of John
{. Calhoun. After Mr.. Clemson's
death Col. simpson was made execu-
tor of the estate. 1t was due largely
To his influence and persuasion that
Mr.. Clemson left the bequest which
later resulted in the founding of
Clemson college He was one of the
original seven members of the board
rI trustees appointed under the will.
When the board OF trustees of Glenn
son was organized Col. simpson was
elected president of the board and
he resigned from this position only
rocvntly. after giving the best years
Of his life to this work. which was so
dear To HIM He took q personal in
terest IN the establishment of Glenn
son college and did much to make it
a success.
Col. Simpson was a staunch Mason.
having received 32 degrees. Col
Simpson was married to Miss Maria
Louise Darlington in 1863. She died
several years ago. Ten children were
born, of whom nine are now living.
Col. Simpson leaves three sons ana
Sin daughters living: r. w simpson
Jr., OF Richmond; John G.. Simpson
nd Tallie Simpson. both of Charlotte:
Mrs. w w. Watkins of PendIetou
Mrs. L. III. +. Sloan. Jr. of PendIe-
ton. Mrs. w. w. Klugh of Clemson
college and Mrs. \. q. Holmes of
Clemson college. Mrs Simpson died
about two years ago