Jack County, TX - Obituary - O.M. Simpson ********************************************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Dorman Holub Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ********************************************************************************** O.M. or Oscar Simpson, was born 1 January 1881 about six miles southwest of Jacksboro. His father was J.W. Simpson. His mother was Eva Ham Simpson. He lived the most of his life in Jack County. He graduated from A&M College in Bryan, Texas in the spring of 1900, with highest honors in both mathematics and civil engineering. He was captain of his company at the time of his graduation and was eligible for a commission in the United States Army. In college he was quarterback on the football team and was distinguished as the fastest quarterback in the State of Texas at that time. He was also the fastest man on the track team in the 100 yard dash. Converted in a revival by Abe Mulkey in Jacksboro, he later joined the Christian church. Hattie Minnie Callahan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.O. Callahan became his wife on 25 December 1901. Two children were born - Mrs. Joe Robbins of Wichita Falls; son - O.M. Simpson, Jr., 11 years old. He began his work as civil engineer at Beaumont in 1900, when Spindletop first came into prominence, on account of the discovery of oil. He made the first correct map of the city of Beaumont, and his name is perpetuated in that city by Simpson Avenue, named for him. For several years he quit his profession because of ill health contracted in the swamps of the rice districts near Beaumont. On 1 January 1924, when the construction of the Jack county Highway system began Guy R. Johnston, resident engineer of Jack County selected him as one of his asssistants. The concrete bridge over Big Creek on the Jacksboro- Chico highway was his construction. He was transferred to Comanche County. Because of his work, he was broke down on 1 February 1929, he died in harness. His name will be perpetuated in several counties in Texas because of the work that he did. Jacksboro Gazette Jacksboro, Texas February 7, 1929 The sad news of the death of O.M. Simpson was received. The remains were returned to Jacksboro for burial in Oakwood cemetery. Funeral services conducted at the Methodist church by the pastor, Rev. C.B. Garrett, assisted bhy the pastors of the other churches. Mr. Simpson was a native of Jack County. He was a graduate of the local schools and of Texas A & M College. His interests have been with the ranching business of Jack County in addition to being associated with local business enterprises. He was actively identified with the building of the Jack County system of highways and since their completion had accepted a position as county engineer at Panhandle where he was living when his death occurred. Survived: wife; 1 daughter - Mrs. Joe Robbins of Wichita Falls; 1 son - O.M. Simpson, Jr.; mother - Mrs. Eva Simpson; brother - Judge J.P. Simpson Jacksboro Gazette Jacksboro, Texas Thursday, February 7, 1929