Lang, H. O., ed.  "The History of the Willamette Valley, Being A Description 
of the Valley and its Resources, with an account of its Discovery and 
Settlement by White Men, and its Subsequent History; Together with Personal 
Reminiscences of its Early Pioneers."  Portland, OR, Geo. H. Himes, Book and 
Job Printer, 1885.  p. 661.
 
BEN SIMPSON

     Born in Tennessee in 1818, but taken by his parents to Missouri in 1820,
where he resided until 1846.  Was married in 1839 to Miss Wisdom, who died two
years after.  In 1843 he married Miss Nancy Cooper; came to Oregon in 1846,
bringing his family, consisting of his wife and three sons, John Thomas,
Sylvester C., and Samuel L.  Settled on French Prairie in 1847.  Served in the
Cayuse war.  Was a member of the second Territorial Legislature.  Made a voyage
to California in 1849, and sold a cargo of timber.  Has represented, at various
times, Clackamas, Benton and Polk counties, in the legislature; was Indian agent
at the Siletz reservation for eight years; was in the lumbering business at
Clackamas City, Parkersville, Yaquina Bay and Santiam City; was surveyor-general
of Oregon from 1872 to 1876.
 
 
Transcriber's additional notes:
 
Census
1880; Multnomah Co, OR; Portland NE Pct; e. 4th st.
Benjamin Simpson, 62, TN, TN, TN, postal service
Nancy, wife, 61, MO, KY, TN
Elenora F, dau, 27, OR, TN, MO
Alice B, dau, 19, OR, TN, MO
Clarence W, son, 15, OR, TN, MO, att. school


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.