Biography of G. P. Simpkins
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]
Page 1012
G. P. SIMPKINS, harness-maker, Jefferson, is a son of John W. Simpkins, a native of Maryland, who, early in the present century, settled at Franklinton, near Columbus, Ohio, where he commenced his business prior to the war of 1812. While engaged in his trade, Gen. Harrison and his troops were on the way from Sandusky to Marietta, Ohio, and stopped with Squire John Simpkins, using his hatter shop for a barracks. For the intrusion, Harrison subsequently appointed Squire Simpkins Commissary, and henceforward he acted in military service until the close of the war, devoting considerable time with Gen. Gaines, after whom our subject is named. About the close of the war of 1812, he and family settled near London, where, in 1815, he buried his wife. His second wife was the widow of John Guynn. While the National road was in process of construction, he settled in Jefferson, where the American Hotel formerly stood. Here he bought a lot in the wilds of nature, cleared and grubbed it and erected on it a building in which he opened a tavern. The building was small, and he expected to build an addition, but before doing so, he sold and moved to London and kept the Cowling House, but subsequently returned to Jefferson, where he died in the spring of 1861. He served Madison County as Associate Judge several years, and Jefferson Township as Justice repeatedly. He was a man of sound mind and an esteemed citizen of the county. Of his four children one only is now living, viz., Gaines P., who was born in July, 1815, near London. He in early life went to Springfield, Ohio, where he learned his trade, but since 1835 he has been a resident of Jefferson where he has mostly conducted his trade. Soon after coming to Jefferson, he was instrumental in forming the military home company. He furnished two sons for the suppression of the rebellion, one of which survived. In 1836, he married Eliza Sidener, of the pioneer stock elsewhere mentioned in this work. Their union has been blest with a family of eight children, four of whom are still living.
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Fall Genealogy Seminar
For anyone in your area who is interested in genealogy that they are invited to
the Annual Fall Seminar of Ohio Chapter Palatines to America:
Researching German Immigration in the 18th Century
Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, October 16, 2010, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Ramada Hotel and Conference Center
Four presentations by Marianne S. Wokeck, Ph.D., on Indentured Servitude
and Immigration to America in the 18th Century
Renowned author of Trade in Strangers
Registration Fee $45; Ohio Chapter PalAm Members Discounted Fee $39; Students ages 17-21 $20
Includes morning coffee or tea, Lunch and Gratuity.
Deadline October 4, 2010; For Late Registration add $5.
The seminar is the Culmination of German Heritage Week in Columbus
For more information visit
http://www.oh-palam.org/bookstore/images/2010fallregistrationform.pdf
or write to Ohio Chapter Palatines to America, P.O. Box 302, Worthington, OH 43085
Richard E. Hartle,
Publicity Chairman,
Ohio Chapter Palatines to America
This is a volunteer project. We depend upon feedback from our visitors. If you have information to share or have resources relating to Madison County, we would love to hear from you.
