John Simpson, Sr

He landed in America "about the time the tea fuss began" (Boston Tea Party, making him about 11 years old). He landed at the mouth of the Christiana Creek near Newcastle, Delaware. He moved from there to Hanover County, Pa, where he lived until the beginning of the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). At that time, he moved to Orange County, NC. He enlisted in 1780 and served various times, amounting about 17 months in all. He was a Private with North Carolina Troops under Captain Charles King, Joseph Casey, and Ewen Ellison. Served under Colonels John Hogan, Bob Maben, and Kennedy. During a part of his services, he was a guard under Lt. Gregg. He was in an engagement with the Indians on Lookout Mountain and one with the Torries under Fanning on the Haw River, NC. After the declaration of peace, he moved (about 1783) to Green Co., TN and from there to Barren Co., KY. He was also located in Clay Co. KY but that county split into Laurel and Jackson Co so the exact location is unknown.

Many say his parents were Martha M Simpson and William John Simpson, who were ten.
John Simpson Sr -b-1762 Enniskellen, Fermanagh Co, Ireland -d- 5-21-1841 Jackson Co, Ky. He landed in America "about the time the tea fuss began" (Boston Tea Party being 12-16-1773 making him 11 years old), landing at the mouth of the Christiana Creek near Newcastle, Delaware. He moved from there to Hanover Co, Pa, where he lived until just before the Revolution War began (it started in 1775 lasting until 1783). At this time, he moved to Orange Co, N C. He enlisted in 1780 & served at various times, amounting to at least 17 months in all. He was a Pvt with the North Carolina Troops under Capt Charles King, Joseph Casey, & Ewen Ellison & Colonels John Hogan, Bob Maben, & Kennedy. During a part of his services, he was a guard under Lt Gregg. He was in an engagement with the Indians on Lookout Mountain & one with the Torries under Fanning on the Haw River, N C. After the declaration of peace, he moved (abt 1783) to Green Co, Tenn & from there to Barren Co, Ky & then, to Clay Co, which later, part of it became Laurel Co (then Jackson). He -m-6-11-1790 in Green Co, Tn (1st) Mary ("Polly") Haresha (on wedding records) Harshaw, on cem records -b-1773 Green Co, Tn -d-12-18-1849 Russellville, Montineau Co, Mo & buried there, Enloe Cem. They had nine children, according to a letter written by Mary Simpson Gabbard, a great-grand-daughter of John. Most were born in Tn, some Ky, probably Barren Co. Mary Gabbard also wrote that John left her, Mary Harshaw, with nine children because "she poisoned his best horse". He was living in Barren Co, Ky when he, apparently never divorcing Mary, -m-8-28-1810 (2nd) Deborah "Debby" Phillips -b-1787 Ky -d-1853, because Mary Gabbard mentions that he & Debby came to Jackson Co & bought 200 acres east of East Bernstadt. John Sr served in the Revolutionary War (as stated) & he & Debby, are supposedly buried in the Simpson Cemetery, Jackson Co, in un-marked graves (he is for sure but Debby could be buried down the road in another Simpson Cem, according to Mary Gabbard, along with her son Bailey & other family members). A Revolution War Soldier headstone is placed in the Cornett's Chapel Cem, Jackson Co, in his honor, although he isn't actually there. A shovel of dirt from the un-marked grave from the Simpson Cem was brought & placed at Cornett's Chapel, as it was much more maintained & history would not be lost. Mary Gabbard had also stated that the family Bible was lost when John & Debby's first house burned down. ****From the many letters I found: John began drawing his Revolutionary War pension in March 1831, at $30.00 "per annum", payable in two payments yearly. He received this until his death in 1841. In June, 1845, Mary "Polly" (living in Mo & finding out about his death) applied & received the $30.00. In June, 1853, wife, Deborah, applied for the same pension. After much correspondence with Washington DC, along with affidavits from Polly & Debby, it was determined that John had never divorced Polly & Debby's pension request was denied. Polly continued to receive his pension until her death.
John Simpson is my 3rd great grandfather - Don Vasko

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jul 25 2024, 7:07:33 UTC