George A. Simpson, superintendent of the Madison Coal
Company and also one of the members of the City Council of Mount Olive,
Macoupin County, was born in La Salle, Illinois, May 8, 1863. He is one of a
family of eight children born to his parents, David and Ellen (Colvin)
Simpson.
David Simpson was born in Scotland, and his whole life has
been connected with coal mining. He began when a lad of nine years and has
climbed, through every degree, to the position of mine manager, that he now
fills at the age of 64 years. In 1851 David Simpson came to the United
States and lived in Pennsylvania, later removing to La Salle, Illinois,
where, in 1862, he married Ellen Colvin, a daughter of Robert Colvin, a
prominent farmer of that place. He then settled in Springfield, Illinois,
where he now resides.
George A. Simpson was educated in the schools
of Sangamon County and at Springfield, until he was 13 years of age, when he
followed his father's example, and became a coal miner. This occupation he
followed continuously until 1892, when he was made mine manager and,
subsequently, mine superintendent. This responsible position includes the
supervision of two shafts, one located at Mount Olive, where he has 250 men,
and one at Divernon, Sangamon County, Illinois, where there are 325 men.
This position was given him in consideration of his thorough technical
knowledge and superior fitness, on February 14, 1893, and the tact, skill,
ability and efficiency with which he has controlled these large bodies of
men and rendered satisfactory showings to the company, speak well for him as
superintendent. The position is no sinecure and Mr. Simpson has met with
unusual success.
On August 29, 1887, Mr. Simpson was married to
Catherine Hahn, who is a daughter of John Hahn, of Springfield, and they
have five children, namely: David, George A., Roy L., Gladys C. and Edna R.
In addition to his official duties at the coal mines, Mr. Simpson
has business associations which require some of his attention, and political
duties which he faithfully performs. Mr. Simpson and T. H. Koch are the
owners of the Strowger Automatic Telephone Company of Mount Olive. In
politics he is a Republican, and in April, 1902, was elected one of the city
aldermen. Fraternally he is a Mason, Knight Templar and a Knight of Pythias.
Mr. Simpson is one of the self made men of Mount Olive and is
entitled to the esteem in which he is held. The qualities which have
advanced him from the humble position of mine boy to that of superintendent,
in so short a time, are the same which make him one of the most valued and
useful citizens of Mount Olive.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 423-424.
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