J. L. Simpson
J. L. Simpson, secretary and treasurer of The East Iron & Machine Company, of Lima, was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1860, and is a son of Wilson E. Simpson, of that county, who was a member of the 66th Ohio Regiment and died in the Civil War, in 1862, from disease contracted in the service.
J. L. Simpson was reared and educated in Logan County, and, with maturity, obtained a position with the "Big Four" railroad. He was employed in various capacities for a period of 12 years, when he became bookkeeper and estimator for the Champion Iron Company, of Canton, Ohio. He served in this capacity for about eight years and was then elected secretary, holding that office four years and six months. When he severed his connection with that company, he organized the Columbus Elevator & Iron Company, which was incorporated in 1902 with a capital stock of $10,000. They began operations, in May of that year, with the following officers: H. W. V. Moler, president; F. S. Bartlett, vice-president; and J. L. Simpson, secretary, treasurer and general manager. The company was merged into The East Iron & Machine Company and incorporated, in March, 1903, with a capital stock of $100,000, the officers being: W. S. East, president; A. L. Neuman, vice-president; and J. L. Simpson, secretary and treasurer. In March, 1903, Mr. Simpson moved to Lima to assume the duties of his office, and has made many friends during his short residence here. He is a business man of Experience and ability, and devotes his entire time to the work of his office, which is conducted in the most systematic and effective manner.
In 1885 Mr. Simpson was married to Eva Spencer by whom he has two bright children Hugh L. and Boyd M., both students of the Lima High School. Mrs. Simpson's father was the late W. Spencer, on e the foremost agriculturists of Logan County, who died in May, 1905. Mr. Simpson is an Odd Fellow and is also a prominent Mason, being a member of the Knights Templar. He is affiliated with the Disciples' Church of Lima.