WILLIS SIMPSON AND FAMILY, Smith County, TX 

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Submitted by Donna Lowery Drake - donnadrake@earthlink.net 
19 May 2001 
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WILLIS SIMPSON AND FAMILY "Some Biographies of Old Settlers." 
Historical, Personal and Reminiscent. Volume I 
By Sid S. Johnson, 1900: Sid S. Johnson, Publisher, Tyler, Texas 
Chapter LXV - Pages 276-277

Willis Simpson was born in the State of North Carolina, in 1810; moved 
to Jackson Dounty, Tennessee, and died in 1851, enroute to Texas with 
his family. He married Miss Harriett Reese of Jackson County, Alabama. 
After his death his family continued to move Texas, settling south of 
Tyler, in 1851. The Simpson family was accompanied to Texas by three 
of Mrs. Simpson's brothers--John K., James and David Reese. The Resse 
boys are all dead, I believe. David was killed in the army. He was a 
gallant member of Company K, 3rd Texas Cavalry. His death occured in 
North Alabama in 1864.

Mr. and Mrs. Simpson had six children--David, Martha Elizabeth, Rachel 
Josephine, Amanda Jane, Lee Verney and Malissa Ann.

David never married and resides in this county, on the old homestead 
first settled by the widow Simpson. He is a good farmer, a man of 
practical, good sense, makes a good living--noted for his strict 
integrity and honesty. He was the main stay of his mother and
sisters, performing a good part in life in providing for them.

Martha died the 15th of May, 1898. She was single at her death. Rachel 
married Levander J. Hall. They had two children--Missouri Ann and Nora 
Otis. She died the 17th of July, 1898.  Both of their children reside 
in this county.

Amanda never married. She lives with her brother at the old home.

Levinia married John R. Beazeley, who died at Nashville, Tennessee, 
some years ago. Mrs. Beazeley makes her home with her brother David.

Mrs. Harriett Simpson was born in Franklin County, Tenn., in 1809, 
and died in Smith County. She battled with life successfully, meeting 
heroicly the demands made on her in the support of her fatherless 
children. A woman of strong will power and great industry. She was a
devoted Methodist and died in that faith. The Simpsons are plain 
people, but carry with them rigid honesty, in the affairs of life.