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Help us find Peter Simpson, and win a local gift basket. See pg. 8 ISSUE NUMBER XVII | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 SIMPSONVILLEBANNER.COM
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
through Wednesday, August
Peter Simpson: What We Know About Simpsonville’s Namesake ANDREW STATON ANDREW@SIMPSONVILLEBANNER.COM
We know very little about the man for whom our town is named but there are a few significant details that we do know. In the quest to find Peter’s final resting place, any one of these details might be the key that unlocks this mystery. Born around 1815, somewhere in Laurens County, Peter was the fifth of eight children born to John Simpson. The names of his siblings were John, Isabella, Sarah, Betsey, Peggy, William and James. Peter’s mother’s name is not known and we only know a couple of things about the elder John Simpson. He died in 1823 in or near Laurens County and records show at the time of his death he owned several pieces of property in that area. It is likely some of his land holdings may have been near Warrior Creek and Durbin Creek. As to John Simpson’s ancestors, there is speculation that he may have been a descendant of William Simpson who moved to Laurens County in the early 1700’s by way of Belfast, Ireland. Sometime between 1836 and 1838, Peter Simpson moved to the area of southern Greenville County now known as Simpsonville. Simpson was a blacksmith
by trade and he built his shop under an oak tree that stood near the West College Street driveway of Palmetto Bank. In 1844, Simpson became postmaster of the local post office which was called Plain at that time. Then on October 8, 1847, Peter Simpson died, leaving a wife, Ann Brown Simpson, and several children. Ann Simpson is listed in the 1850 Census as a widow living in southern Greenville County along with her children John, Sarah, Peter, Margaret and Mary. Around 1851 or 1852, Ann married William A. Stokes. By the time of the 1860 Census, Ann and husband William are living somewhere near Rocky Creek with their two children, Martha and Carrie. In 1892, Ann’s second husband dies and in 1900, Ann follows him to the grave. She is buried in the Simpsonville City Cemetery with the name Annie Stokes engraved on her headstone. The children of Peter and Ann Brown Simpson went their separate ways early in life. Margaret married George Thackston and lived in the Simpsonville area until she died. She is buried in the Clear Spring Baptist Church Cemetery on Bethany
Road in Simpsonville. Mary, who was born two months after the death of her father, Peter, moved to Marshall County, Alabama around the time she turned 16. She married William Young and together they raised thirteen children. In 1936, Mary died at the age of 88. Her obituary made mention that she was the daughter of a “South Carolina town namesake”. Many of the details surrounding Peter Simpson’s life will probably never be known but just maybe someone can solve the mystery as to where he is buried. Some folks say he moved to the Reidville area shortly before his death so he is probably buried there. Some folks say he was in southern Greenville County when he died so surely he must be buried around here. Then there are those who say he must be buried in Laurens County on one of the parcels of land he owned when he died. Maybe so, but where were those parcels of land and which one was chosen for Peter’s final resting place? Where do you think Peter Simpson’s earthly journey ended?
Think you know where Peter Simpson is? Then tell us and win! See page 8 for details.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
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FINDING PETER SIMPSON
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Ann (Annie) Simpson is buried alongside her second husband in Simpsonville’s Municipal Cemetery. Photo ©2014 Christy Staton
ANDREW STATON ANDREW@SIMPSONVILLEBANNER.COM
Simpsonville native Andrew Staton is a genealogist and historian currently studying at the College of Charleston. In addition to his studies, he is also leading the charge to establish a Simpsonville Genealogical Research Library.
Roy & Frances Shelton, Innkeepers
302 South Main Street • Simpsonville, SC 29681 (864) 963-3379 • thegardenhouse@charter.net gardenhousebb.com
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FINDING PETER SIMPSON
Simpsonville
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Ways to WIN. Read and submit clues online. Sign up for BannerMail. And if you think you know where Simpson is, let us know. If you are the first you win the basket full of local gifts. But hurry, October 17 is the last day to guess. Like The Banner on Facebook, and share your clues. Have a hot tip? Share it with us and Simpsonville on our wall at Facebook.com/tsblocal. (We have some clues of our own coming up too.) Anonymous tips may be sent to info@simpsonvillebanner.com, and tips may be hand-mailed as well.
Check us out online at SimpsonvilleBanner.com We will keep a running log of the best tips, photos and documents - and who submitted them. If we can’t find Peter Simpson together, we hope to create a list of clues that will help a future historian. Look for the Finding Peter Simpson icon on our home page.
Grab a print issue, or read the digital issue online. Clues will also be included in each Friday’s issue over the next three weeks.
Sign Up for BannerMail at simpsonvillebanner.com/sign-up Visit our website to sign up for email alerts, and you’ll be entered to win in the random drawing if Peter Simpson is not found. If you are not online please mail us a note asking to be entered. Our brick and mortar address is 104 NE Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681 We promise never to sell or share your information with anyone. No purchase necessary to win. Gift is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Please note individual donors’ restrictions on gifts. Please include the date on mailed tips.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
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FINDING PETER SIMPSON
OBITUARIES Carl Smith Jones Mauldin Carl Smith Jones, 88, of Mauldin, loving husband of Doris Edna Ogle Jones, died Tuesday, September 23, 2014. Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Clifton Earl Jones and Elma Elector Garrett Jones. Carl served in the US Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and was retired from Hollingsworth Manufacturing as a Superintendent. He was a member of First Baptist Church Mauldin. Survivors, in addition to his wife, include four children, Carl Mike Jones and wife Verna, Fountain Inn; Robert Glenn Jones and wife Ricki, Greer; Frank Wayne Jones and wife Terri, Greenville; and Mary Grant and husband Brad, Savannah, GA; six grandchildren, Shannon Anderson, Ashley Jones, Wesley Jones , Brady Grant, Amanda Stratman and Brandi McCall; three great grandchildren, Tristan, Taylor and Kenzi; one sister, Mary Ann Byars and husband Dudley, Greenville; and two brothers, Edward Jones and wife Barbara, Woodruff, and Johnny Jones and wife Kay, Montgomery, AL. He was predeceased by a sister, Betty Cox, and a brother, Billy Jones.
Born in the Bronx, New York, she was the daughter of the late Daniel Fraser and the late Anna Hammen Fraser. She was the wife of the late Lawrence D. Clark. Mrs. Clark was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and retired Business Administrator for several companies. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Riordan, and spouse, John, of Simpsonville; a son, Douglas Clark, and spouse, Ann Marie, of Simpsonville; grandchildren, Patrick and Kevin Sheehan, and Tyler and Madison Clark;great grandchildren, Hudson and Parker Sheehan; one sister, June Peters; and one brother, Robert Shanley. Visitation will be on Friday, September 26 at 1 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mauldin. A Memorial Service will follow at 2 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Graceland East Cemetery following the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McCall Hospice House or The Lymphoma Society. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.heritage-funeral.com
Lottie Bagwell Vest Lottie Bagwell Vest, 83, died at Laurel Baye Nursing Home on September, 19, 2014. She was the widow of Bobby Joe Vest.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2014, from 10:30 to 11:45 AM at First Baptist Church of Mauldin with the Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 Noon.
Born in Spartanburg, she was a daughter of the late David D. and Novelle B. Bagwell.
Burial will follow in Greenville Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty B. Rogers, and a brother, Belton Lee Bagwell.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast
Patricia Fraser Clark Greenville Patricia Clark, 83, of Greenville, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2014.
Surviving are two brothers, Herbert Bagwell and Jay D. Bagwell.
Visitation was held Sunday, September 21, 2014, from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. The Funeral Service followed at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast. Burial followed in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Riverside Baptist Church, 1249 S. Suber Rd., Greer, SC, 29650.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com. Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast
Edward Thaddeus Ostrowski Simpsonville Edward Thaddeus Ostrowski, 68, of Simpsonville, loving husband of Ann Snyder Ostrowski, died Saturday, September 13, 2014. Born in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late Edward L. Ostrowski and Mary Szarlacki Ostrowski. Ed was a 1969 graduate of SUNY at Buffalo with a BS in Engineering and a long time member of the ASME. He attended St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two sons, Thaddeus Ostrowski and fiancÊe Stephanie, and Robert Ostrowski and wife Lindsay; and a brother, John Ostrowski, and wife Stacy. He was predeceased by a sister, Teresa Sliker. Recitation of the Holy Rosary was held on Sunday, September 21, 2014, at 4:00PM at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast. Visitation followed until 6:00PM. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00AM on Monday, September 22, 2014, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Burial followed at Graceland East Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast
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events 9.26
FOUNTAIN INN
MORE EVENTS AT FOUNTAININNBANNER.COM
Fountain Inn Farmers Market: Last of the Season! Saturday, September 27 8:00am – 12:00pm Farmers Market Pavilion
Fountain Inn Museum Presents: Honoring Our WWII Heroes— Alton Weathers Tuesday, October 7 • 7:00pm – 8:30pm Fountain Inn History Museum
Library Program: Story Time Wednesday, October 1 3:30pm – 4:00pm Kerry Ann Younts Culp Library
Fountain Inn Book Discussion Tuesday, October 7 7:00pm – 8:30pm Kerry Ann Younts Culp Library
FIRE Presents: South Pacific Friday, October 3 7:30pm – 9:30pm Younts Center for Performing Arts
Younts Center for Performing Arts 2014 Golf Tournament Wednesday, October 8 10:30am – 6:30pm Fox Run Country Club
Lauren’s Hope Foundation 5K/Kids’ Fun Run Saturday, October 4 8:00am – 11:00am
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Fountain Inn Museum Presents: Honoring Our WWII Heroes— David Thomason Tuesday, November 4 7:00pm – 8:30pm Fountain Inn History Museum Fountain Inn Spirit of Christmas Past Festival Begins Wednesday, December 3 – Saturday, December 20 • 5:00pm Fountain Inn, SC Fountain Inn 2014 Christmas Parade Wednesday, December 3 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Fountain Inn Museum Presents: Honoring Our WWII Heroes— Jim Long Tuesday, October 21 7:00pm – 8:30pm Fountain Inn History Museum
Your Hometown Nursery for over 10 Years
BLOOMERS NURSERY OF FOUNTAIN INN, LLC
Pine Needles • Trees • Shrubbery Pansies Available October 1st
At BookQuest, we specialize in used and hard-to-find titles. We have many South Carolina books on the shelves, as well as a great selection of illustrated children’s books. In our Modern Firsts section, we have books by many Southern authors - signed and first editions. In our Transportation section - we include books on trains, ships, and planes. As always, Cookbooks are popular and we have many local and celebrity titles. Come visit us and shop other unique stores in Fountain Inn.
15 Howard Creek Dr. • Fountain Inn • 864.409.9650
BloomersNurseryofFountainInn.com
108 S. Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29684 864-408-9747 bookquestusedbooks.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
events 9.26
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FINDING PETER SIMPSON
SIMPSONVILLE
Mill Town Players: Always… Patsy Cline Fri,, September 19 – Sun,, September 28 7:00pm 214 Lebby St Pelzer, SC 29669 Starlight Series at the Tater Shed - Durbin Creek Band Friday, September 26 • 8:00pm – 10:00pm 105 Park Dr Simpsonville, SC 29681 Simpsonville Farmers Market Saturday, September 27 • 8:00am – 12:00pm Simpsonville Farmers Market Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch Opening Day Saturday, September 27 • 9:00am – 8:00pm 109 W Trade St Simpsonville, SC 29681 Third Annual Boxers, Brews & Blues Saturday, September 27 • 11:00am – 4:00pm Quaker Steak & Lube
MORE EVENTS AT SIMPSONVILLEBANNER.COM
Free Women’s Health Screenings Wednesday, October 1 • 8:30am – 5:30pm GHS - Hillcrest Hospital
Upstate Harvest Moon Festival: Friday Friday, October 17 • 5:00pm – 11:00pm Downtown Simpsonville
Simpsonville Rotary Club Wednesday, October 1 • 12:15pm – 1:15pm Simpsonville Rotary Club
Starlight Series at the Tater Shed Foothills Oompah Band Friday, October 17 • 8:00pm – 10:00pm The Tater Shed
2014 Regional SC Koi and Goldfish Show Fri., October 3 – Sun., October 5 3:00pm Simpsonville Activity & Senior Center Emily Elizabeth Paper Boutique: Craft Class Tuesday, October 7 • 6:00pm – 8:00pm Emily Elizabeth Paper Boutique Simpsonville Kiwanis Tuesday, October 14 • 12:15pm – 1:15pm Holly Tree Golf Club (map)
Westwood Yard Sale Saturday, October 18 • 8:00am – 12:00pm Alder Park (map) Rummage Sale/Hot Dog Lunch and Bake Sale Saturday, October 18 • 8:00am – 1:30pm First Presbyterian Church Simpsonville Upstate Harvest Moon Festival: Saturday Saturday, October 18 • 10:00am – 11:00pm Downtown Simpsonville
LOCAL ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPERIENCE NOW ACCEPTING VENDOR APPLICATIONS VISIT US ONLINE OR CALL 864-963-3781
OCTOBER 17-18
DOWNTOWN SIMPSONVILLE
FACEBOOK.COM/UPSTATEHARVESTMOONFESTIVAL | UPSTATEHARVESTMOONFESTIVAL.COM
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