Durham, N. N. "Spokane and the Inland Empire; History of the City of Spokane and Spokane County Washington." Vol. 3. S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 29. JAMES M. SIMPSON James M. Simpson, actively engaged in the practice of law in Spokane since 1902, now has a large clientage that has connected him with much important litigation tried in the courts of this and adjoining states. He is a western man in that he was born this side of the Mississippi river, which event occurred in Knox county, Missouri, on the 1st day of January, 1860, his parents, Benjamin and Perlina Simpson, being pioneers of that county. He entered the public schools there when a boy of six years and after completing the course of study therein prescribed, attended the State Normal School at Kirksville, Missouri, from which institution he graduated in the full course of our years in June, 1886. Mr. Simpson first came west in 1882, locating at Deer Lodge, Montana, remaining west but a short time, when he returned to Missouri to complete his education and again came west to Deer Lodge, Montana, where he engaged in educational work until 1904, having charge of the public schools of that place. He devoted the hours that are usually termed leisure to the study of law and was admitted to the bar of that state in June, 1893. Mr. Simpson continued his educational work for a time after his admission to the bar, but has now been engaged in the active practice of his profession for about fifteen years. His careful analysis and logical deductions, and his correct application of precedent and principle to the points at issue, were factors in his success. In 1901 he became prosecuting county Attorney of Powell county, Montana, serving in that capacity, for nearly two years. In 1902, he resigned the office of county attorney of Powell county, Montana, and came to Spokane, where he has since continued in the practice of the law. He has a large and well selected law library and has remained a student of the principles of jurisprudence to this day. His work done before the courts has won him the recognition and admiration of his professional brethren and has awakened the confidence of the general public to an extent that brought him a gratifying clientage. Mr. Simpson has always taken an active interest in politics, but has not sought office, having been a candidate for office but once in his life. Mr. Simpson was married, July 1, 1886, to Miss Kate M. Funk, a daughter of Thomas W. and Rachel Funk, of Kirksville, Missouri. Mrs. Simpson is also a graduate of the State Normal School at Kirksville, Missouri, having graduated in the class with Mr. Simpson in June, 1886. They have one child James C. Simpson, of this city. Mr. Simpson is identified with three of the leading fraternal organizations. Holding membership in the Masonic fraternity, he has attained high rank and is now a member of El Katif Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to Imperial Lodge, No. 134, I. O. O. F., and to Camp No. 99, W. O. W. He belongs also to the Central Christian church and these associations indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules of conduct upon which he bases his life. Those who know him˜and his acquaintance is wide˜have faith in his ability and his manhood and thus the circle of his friends is continually growing. ******************* Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in February 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.