1924
10 Nov.
(467)
(Solicitor).
Eldest son of the late Robert Simpson of Whetstone Grange, Leics. Born at Leic. 11 September 1869, educated privately; articled in 1887 to the late Mr. J. T. Hincks, solicitor; admitted in 1892 (Honours, Final Examination). Mr. Simpson commenced practice on his own account in Leic. in 1895. He was first elected a councillor in the conservative interest in 1912, and served continuously on the council until his death. One of the chief events of his mayoral year was the unveiling of Leicester's magnificent War Memorial Arch on the Victoria Park 4 July 1925. He was chairman of the Parliamentary and General Purposes committee and a member of the Water, Gas, Estates and Parks committees.
Councillor Simpson was a man of wide vision and showed great thoroughness in his work on the council. To his energy and foresight Leic. owes two of its most important recent developments, the new road scheme and the aerodrome. It has been truly said of him that he dearly loved his native city and in many ways he did much for its welfare.
He was made a Deputy Lieutenant for the county in 1925. For a considerable number of years before the War, Councillor Simpson was a keen volunteer and was recommissioned as a Captain (Leics. Regiment T.F.) in September 1914. He assisted in the formation and training of the 2/4th Batt. of the Leics. Regiment and in 1915, by his own personal efforts, raised in two or three weeks, the 3/4th Batt., at the same time attracting hundreds of recruits to other units. He later commanded the Territorial Force Depot at Leic. Where he rendered much useful service on Courts Martial and Courts of Enquiry, his legal training and experience being invaluable. At the time of his death Councillor Simpson was still a member of the Leics. and Rutland Territorial Associations. In 1894 he married Sarah Anne, second daughter of the late William Clark Rowton, who survives him with two sons and two daughters. Mrs. Simpson was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the city in 1929, being the first ex, mayoress to become a magistrate, and later elected a member of the city council.
Councillor Simpson died at his residence, "Glen' holme," Salisbury Road, Leic. following an attack of influenza 29 November 1931, aged sixty, two years. His remains were cremated, the service at Gilroes being accorded military honours. Probate of his will was granted at the Principal Registry, London, 25 May 1932 to Sarah Anne Simpson, widow, the relict and sole executrix. Effects £26,726 9s. 9d.
