Asa E. Simpson Pg. 404-405 - Asa E. Simpson. In the Simpson Granite Works, 1352 Leonard Street, N. W., Grand Rapids, the city boast one of the most completely equipped marble works in this section of the state. The company is owned and operated by Asa E. Simpson, who was born in Ontario, Canada, in September, 1872, the son of James W. and Sarah J. (Starkweather) Simpson. The parents of Asa E. Simpson were both born in New York State, the former in 1833 and the latter in 1843. They immigrated to Canada, but shortly after the birth of their son, they returned to the United States, settling on a farm in Sanilac County, Michigan. James W. Simpson died on his farm in 1899 and his wife died there in 1893. Asa E. Simpson received his education in the district schools of Sanilac County. When he had attained the age of sixteen years, he decided to follow the granite and marble cutting trade. He sought and found employment with such a company, remaining with that concern until he felt that he had mastered every phase of the trade. In 1895, he came to Grand Rapids, where he was employed with a granite company, after which he was connected with the Black Monument Company at Hastings, Michigan, with which company he remained for a short time. He then opened a monument business for himself at Hartford, Michigan, and operated this for ten years. In 1913, he returned to Grand Rapids and started the Simpson Granite Works at 1352-58 Leonard Street, N. W. During the twelve years in which he has been in business in Grand Rapids, Mr. Simpson has built up a large trade. His plant is one of the best-equipped marble works in the city, and he carries a good assortment of monuments at the plant. Mr. Simpson is regarded as one of the substantial business men of Grand Rapids, where he is respected for his integrity. On January31, 1897, he married Miss Hettie Green, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Green, of Cornwell, England, the former of whom is now living at the old family home in England. Mrs. Green is dead. To Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have been born the following children: May, who is the wife of Henry Mulder, of Grand Rapids, and has one son and two daughters; Elton, who works for his father; Cecil, who is married and living in Grand Rapids and who served during the World war as first lieutenant, being stationed at Douglas, Arizona; Roy, who is married and works for his father; Lloyd, who is also married and works for his father; Elsie, the wife of Leonard Post, of Grand Rapids; Hilda; Marian; Ella; Frank, and Doris and Dorothy, twins. Mr. Simpson is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Transcriber: Mary Huizen
Created: 12 March 2003