John Simpson (Kentucky politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Simpson
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| Member-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 8th district |
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| Died before taking office | |
| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Ormsby |
| Speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives | |
| In office December 3, 1810 – December 1812 |
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| Preceded by | William Logan |
| Succeeded by | Joseph H. Hawkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Virginia, British America |
| Died | January 22, 1813 River Raisin, Michigan, U.S. |
| Resting place | Frankfort Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic-Republican |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 1st Regiment of Riflemen |
| Battles/wars | Northwest Indian War • Battle of Fallen Timbers War of 1812 • Battle of River Raisin |
John Simpson was an American soldier, lawyer, and politician. He was born in Virginia and later moved to Kentucky. Simpson fought in two important wars: the Northwest Indian War and the War of 1812. He was also a leader in Kentucky's government. He served four times in the Kentucky House of Representatives, even becoming its Speaker for two years. In 1812, he was chosen to join the United States House of Representatives. Sadly, he died in battle before he could start this new job.
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Who Was John Simpson?
John Simpson was an important figure in early American history. He was known for his bravery as a soldier and his work as a politician. He helped shape the state of Kentucky and served his country.
Growing Up in Kentucky
John Simpson was born in Virginia. As a child, in the 1780s, his family moved to Kentucky. They settled in a place called Lincoln County. John went to school in two different towns: first in Danville and then in Bardstown.
Fighting in the Northwest Indian War
After finishing school, John Simpson joined the military. He volunteered for the Legion of the United States. This group was led by General Anthony Wayne. Simpson was part of the last big fight of the war, called the Battle of Fallen Timbers. However, he did not fight directly in the battle. His job was to guard supplies, so he stayed behind.
A Career in Politics
After the war, Simpson moved to Shelby County, Kentucky. There, he studied law and became one of the first lawyers in the county. He then decided to enter politics.
He was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the state of Kentucky. He represented Shelby County. John Simpson was elected four times in a row, serving from 1806 to 1811. From 1810 to 1811, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House. This meant he was the leader of the Kentucky House of Representatives. He won against Samuel South and William MacMillan for this important role.
In 1812, John Simpson was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This is a part of the U.S. government in Washington D.C. He was elected from Kentucky's newly formed 8th District. Even though the district was new, he won against Stephen Ormsby. Ormsby had been the representative for a different district before. Simpson won by a small number of votes.
The War of 1812 and His Final Battle
Before John Simpson could start his new job in the U.S. House of Representatives, the War of 1812 began. He decided to rejoin the army to serve his country once more.
On August 15, 1812, he became a Captain in the First Rifle Regiment. His political experience helped him get this rank. His regiment was led by Colonel John Allen. They helped reinforce General William Hull in Detroit.
Captain Simpson took part in the Battle of River Raisin on January 22, 1813. During the battle, British forces attacked. As American soldiers were retreating, Simpson joined the fight. His company only lost one soldier in their first clash. However, Captain Simpson was killed early during the retreat.
Years later, in September 1834, human remains believed to be his were found. They were brought back to Kentucky. But, it was never officially confirmed that they were his remains. It is thought that he was reburied in the Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Kentucky. However, the exact spot where he was buried is not known.
His Legacy Today
John Simpson is remembered in Kentucky. Two places are named after him: Simpsonville, Kentucky and Simpson County, Kentucky. Also, Fourth Street in Shelbyville, Kentucky was once called Simpson Street to honor him.
Images for kids
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Location of Frenchtown and other settlements near the west coast of Lake Erie during the period.
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Names of American officers who died at Frenchtown
(Kentucky War Memorial Frankfort, KY)
