Biography of Sam L. Simpson, 1899, State of Oregon
Surnames: Simpson, Humphrey

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
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Oregon Native Son, Vol. 1, June 1899, page 118

SAM L. SIMPSON.

When the bard is surrounded by environments which serve to bring him into
notice, the ladder of fame is not a difficult climb, but the plowboy, the
mechanic and child of the pioneer are not so favored, and it is seldom that
the world awakens to full appreciation of their rhymes, until long after they
have paid nature's debt. Then slumbering acknowledgment comes to life
anderects with bronze in memory of him whom it is their delight to honor. In
the dim vista of coming time our prophetic vision sees memento grand on which
is read -

From the Cascades frozen gorges.
Leaping like a child at play,
Winding, widening through the valley.
Bright Willamette glides away;
Onward ever, lovely river.
Softly calling to the sea:
Time that scars us, maims and mars us.
Leaves no track or trace on thee.

The author whose name heads this sketch was born in the state of Missouri,
October 10, 1845. When still a babe he came across the plains with his
parents, who were pioneers of 1845. His folks settled in Oregon City, and
afterwards lived mainly in Marion and Polk counties. In early days the
district schoolhouses were the log-cabin class. These he attended until he was
about 15 years of age, when, in company with his older brother, Sylvester, he
was sent to Willamette university, graduating there with the degree of A. B.
in 1876. Studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1868. Practiced law in
Corvallis until 1871, when he became editor and owner of the old Corvallis
Gazette (lately deceased), and, unfortunately, left law for journalism. Was
married to Miss Julia Humphrey in 1868, two sons, Eugene and Claude, being the
fruit of the marriage. Since 1871 has been most of the time engaged as a
writer on various papers in Oregon and Washington - writing poetry at odd
times in a desultory way. His first verses were published in the P. C.
Advocate (Portland) when he was attending school at Willamette university.

BIBLE STATISTICS—THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE.

(London Answers.)
The
Bible con
tains 3566480
letters, 81o697
words, 31175 verses, I 189 chapters
and 66 books. The
longest chapter is the
119th Psalm; the shortest
     and middle chapter the 117th Psalm. The middle verse is the 8th of the i
r8th Psalm. The longest name is in the 8th chapter of Isaiah. The word and
occurs 46627 times; the word Lord 1855 times. The 37th chapter of Isaiah and
the 19th chapter of the 2d book of Kings are alike. The longest verse is the
9th of the 8th chapter of Esther; the shortest verse’is the 35th of
the tith chapter of John. In the 21st verse of the 7th chapter
of Ezra is the alphabet.
The finest piece of
reading is the
     26th -
chapter of
Acts. The name
     of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther. It contains KNOWLEDGE.
WISDOM HOLINESS AND LOVE.