Jerry Simpson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jerry Simpson
Jerry Simpson, c. 1898
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas's 7th district
In office March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1895
Preceded by	Samuel R. Peters
Succeeded by	Chester I. Long
In office March 4, 1897 – March 3, 1899
Preceded by	Chester I. Long
Succeeded by	Chester I. Long
Personal details
Born	(1842-03-31)March 31, 1842 Prince Edward Island, Canada
Died	October 23, 1905(1905-10-23) (aged 63) Wichita, Kansas
Political party	Populist
Signature

Jeremiah Simpson (born March 31, 1842 – died October 23, 1905) was an American politician from Kansas. He was often called "Sockless Jerry" Simpson. He was a "populist," which means he believed in supporting the rights and power of ordinary people, especially farmers and workers, against the wealthy and powerful. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives three times.

Jerry Simpson's Life Story

Jerry Simpson was a well-known politician who fought for the rights of everyday people. He had an interesting life, from working on ships to becoming a voice for farmers in Congress.

His Early Life and Adventures

Jerry Simpson was born in Prince Edward Island, Canada. When he was six years old, his family moved to Oneida County, New York. Even though he didn't do well in school, he was very smart and loved to read many books.

During the American Civil War, Jerry served as a soldier in the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. However, he had to leave the army because of health problems.

After the war, Simpson moved to Indiana. He started working as a deckhand on a steamship that traveled across the Great Lakes. He worked his way up and eventually became a captain. He got married and started a family during this time.

Settling Down in Kansas

Jerry decided he wanted a more settled life. So, he moved to Jackson County, Kansas and bought a farm. He got married in 1870.

In the late 1870s, farming became very difficult. Also, Jerry lost a child in a sawmill accident. These tough times led him to move south to Barber County, Kansas. There, he bought a ranch and started raising cattle.

Becoming a Politician

A very harsh winter in late 1883 and early 1884 caused Jerry to lose all his cattle. He then had to work as the town marshal (a type of police officer) in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. This difficult period made him angry about his situation, and he decided to get involved in politics.

He became an organizer for the Union Labor Party. This party was a local group that came from the Greenback Party, which Jerry had been a part of. He ran for the state legislature in 1886 and 1888 but lost both times to the Republican Party.

The "Sockless Jerry" Story

In 1889, the price of corn, which was Kansas's main crop, dropped very low. Farmers were burning corn for fuel because it was cheaper than other fuels. At this time, a group called the Farmers' Alliance formed the People's Party, and Jerry Simpson joined them.

The People's Party chose Jerry to run for Congress. His opponent was Colonel J. R. Hallowell, a lawyer for a railroad company. Hallowell traveled in a fancy private train car during his campaign.

Jerry Simpson campaigned on ideas like:

• Public ownership of railroads: This meant the government should own and control railroads, not private companies.
• Graduated income tax: This is a tax system where people who earn more money pay a higher percentage in taxes.
• Abolishing national banks: He wanted to get rid of big national banks.
• Universal suffrage: This means everyone should have the right to vote.

Jerry criticized Hallowell, saying he was a rich man who wore "fine silk hosiery" (fancy socks). Hallowell shot back, saying it was better to have silk socks than no socks at all! With help from another populist campaigner, Mary Elizabeth Lease, Jerry earned his famous nickname: "Sockless Jerry." He won the election by a large number of votes.

Fighting for Farmers in Congress

In Congress, Jerry Simpson was a strong supporter of populist ideas. He became well-known as the leader of his party in Congress. In 1892, he was re-elected, but by a smaller number of votes.

By 1894, the People's Party was not as strong, and Jerry lost his seat to Republican Chester I. Long. But Jerry didn't give up! He ran against Long again in 1896 and won back his seat. However, Long defeated him once more in the 1898 election.

His Later Years

After losing his taste for farming, Jerry Simpson moved to New Mexico. There, he started working in real estate, which means buying and selling land and buildings.

A few years later, he suffered a serious brain aneurysm (a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain). Knowing he didn't have much time left, he took a train back to Kansas. He passed away in a hospital in Wichita, Kansas on October 23, 1905. He is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita.