James William “Bill” Simpson
1918 - 2007 (89 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 3
Generation: 4
1. James William “Bill” Simpson was born on 2 Jul 1918 in Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky (son of James W. Simpson and Elnora R. Robinson); died on 2 Nov 2007; was buried in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Occupation: owner and publisher of The Wayne County Outlook
- _MILT: World war II. US Navy, SM2.
Notes:
JAMES WILLIAM "BILL" SIMPSON
July 2, 1918 - Nov. 2, 2007
James William "Bill" Simpson, Jr., a former owner/publisher of The Wayne County Outlook and World War II veteran, died Friday, November 2, 2007. He was 89.
In the U.S. Navy, Simpson was witness to some of the most important and decisive battles of World War II. As a newspaper owner, his career spanned the transition from hot metal type into the computer age.
Born in Monticello, Ky. on July 2, 1918, he was the son of the late Elnora and J.W. (Jim) Simpson, Sr. and was a life-long resident of Monticello until moving to neighboring Somerset in 2005. He was a member of First Christian Church in Monticello.
Simpson was raised in the newspaper business and worked as a newspaperman for nearly 50 years. His father had founded The Wayne County Outlook in 1904 and the family continued to manage the paper until it was sold in 1987.
Simpson learned early in his life how to handset type and operate the presses at the newspaper office. In the late 1930s, while still a teenager, he was left in charge of the paper while his father was out of town. A traveling editor for Publisher's Auxiliary, a publication for the National Newspaper Association, chanced to stop by The Outlook for a visit. He was so impressed by the young man's command of newspaper production that he wrote a column for the publication noting the youngster's abilities.
A 1938 graduate of Monticello High School, Simpson spent two years at the University of Kentucky before returning home. In 1942 he enlisted the U.S. Navy as part of the World War II effort.
A signalman on the amphibious troop transport U.S.S. Thurston, Simpson saw action in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He reported in a letter to his mother that watching the raising of the U.S. flag over Iwo Jima's Mt. Suribachi was "one of the most thrilling sights I have ever seen."
After the war, Simpson returned to work with his father. While he wrote some articles for the paper, he served mainly as a printer, Linotype operator and publisher.
On October 4, 1951 he married Corydon, Ind. native Dolly Eileen Smith, then a nurse at VA Hospital in Louisville. Residing in Monticello, the couple had two sons-Stuart born in 1952; and Jim in 1953.
Simpson took part in civic activities over the years and was proud of coaching Little League baseball teams.
At the newspaper, he oversaw the transition in the late 1960s and early 1970s from hot metal type to cold type, the offset printing process. With the new type of printing, the paper began using computerized typesetting methods and was one of the first in Kentucky to fully incorporate desktop publishing into the production in the mid-1980s.
After the family sold the paper in 1987, Simpson retired from the business. He remained very interested in Kentucky's newspapers and was an avid reader.
His parents and a sister, Margaret, preceded him in death.
His wife; two sons; a sister, Lytha Ann Underwood; and a grandson, Will Simpson, survive him.
Funeral services were held Sunday, November 4, 2007 with the Hoyt G.
Hickey and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of Lake Cumberland.
Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington, Kentucky. Sunday, 4 November 2007.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56907351/james-william-simpsonJames married Dolly Eileen Smith on 3 Oct 1951. Dolly was born on 20 Nov 1923 in Corydon, Harrison County, Indiana; died on 13 May 2013 in Somerset, Pulaski County, Kentucky; was buried in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
2. James W. Simpson was born on 7 Mar 1881 in Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky; died on 5 Jan 1969 in Pulaski County, Kentucky; was buried in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Occupation: newspaper publisher
- Census: 1920, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51090745/james-w_-simpsonJames married Elnora R. Robinson. Elnora (daughter of Thomas Alva Robinson and Thalitha Ponder) was born on 16 Mar 1889 in Clay County, Kentucky; died on 18 Feb 1956 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky; was buried on 19 Feb 1956 in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
3. Elnora R. Robinson was born on 16 Mar 1889 in Clay County, Kentucky (daughter of Thomas Alva Robinson and Thalitha Ponder); died on 18 Feb 1956 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky; was buried on 19 Feb 1956 in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Occupation: housewife
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51090731/elnora-simpsonChildren:
- Margaret Simpson was born on 28 Feb 1911 in Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky; died on 16 Oct 1934 in Wyandotte, Wayne County, Michigan; was buried in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky.
- 1. James William “Bill” Simpson was born on 2 Jul 1918 in Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky; died on 2 Nov 2007; was buried in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky.
- Lytha Ann Simpson was born on 25 Feb 1929 in Wayne County, Kentucky; died on 7 Jan 2018 in Wayne County, Kentucky; was buried in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky.
Generation: 3
6. Thomas Alva Robinson was born on 27 Sep 1867 in Clay County, Kentucky (son of Edward George "Ned" Robinson and Mary Tennessee "Tennie" Phipps); died on 9 Dec 1944 in Corbin, Whitley County, Kentucky; was buried on 12 Dec 1944 in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Occupation: optometrist and jeweler
- Census: 1900, Berea, Madison County, Kentucky; In 1900, Thomas' household includes 2 of his younger siblings, Laura and Daniel.
Notes:
1900 US Census. Enumerated 14 June 1900.
Berea, Madison County, Kentucky
Thomas A. Robinson, age 32, jewelry merchant
Litha, age 30
Elnora, age 11
Frances, age 9
Leonard, age 7
Myrtle, age 6
Laura Robinson, age 16, sister
Daniel Robinson, age 16, brother
1910 US Census. Enumerated 28 April 1910.
Berea, Madison County, Kentucky
13a High Street
Thos A. Robinson, age 48, jewelry shop owner
Litha, age 40
Leonard, age 17
Myrtle, age 16
Glenna, age 8
Margarite, age 3
1920 US Census. Enumerated 9 & 12 January 1920.
Berea, Madison County, Kentucky
Matter Street
Thomas A. Robinson, age 52, jeweler
Litha P., age 50
Leonard F., age 26
Glenna A., age 18
Margaret T., age 13
1930 US Census. Enumerated 12 April 1930.
Corbin, Knox County, Kentucky
208 North Ford Street
Thomas A. Robinson, age 62, optometrist
Litha P., age 61
1940 US Census. Enumerated 10 April 1940.
Corbin, Knox County, Kentucky
Thomas A. Robinson, age 72, optometrist
Litha P., age 71
LKH note:
So far I have not been able to find an obituary for Thomas. However he is included in a listing of deaths in:
The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, Sunday, 17 December 1944.
Dr. T.A. Robinson, 77, Corbin optometrist.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50877235/thomas-alva-robinsonThomas married Thalitha Ponder on 29 Sep 1887 in Clay County, Kentucky. Thalitha was born on 2 Apr 1869 in Clay County, Kentucky; died on 21 May 1946 in Corbin, Whitley County, Kentucky; was buried on 22 May 1946 in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
7. 
Thalitha Ponder was born on 2 Apr 1869 in Clay County, Kentucky; died on 21 May 1946 in Corbin, Whitley County, Kentucky; was buried on 22 May 1946 in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky. Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50877260/litha-robinsonChildren:
- 3. Elnora R. Robinson was born on 16 Mar 1889 in Clay County, Kentucky; died on 18 Feb 1956 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky; was buried on 19 Feb 1956 in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky.
- Frances Robinson was born in Jul 1890 in Kentucky.
- Leonard F. Robinson was born on 6 Feb 1893 in Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky; died in Aug 1967.
- Myrtle Leota Robinson was born on 4 Mar 1894 in Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky; died on 20 Aug 1989 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried on 22 Aug 1989 in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky.
- Glenna Alva Robinson was born on 9 Sep 1901 in Berea, Madison County, Kentucky; died on 5 Sep 1993 in Trenton, Wayne County, Michigan; was buried in Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock, Wayne County, Michigan.
- Marguerite Robinson was born on 9 Jan 1907 in Kentucky; died on 3 May 1991 in Los Angeles County, California; was buried in burial details unknown.
Generation: 4
12. 
Edward George "Ned" Robinson was born in 1842 in Kentucky (son of Julius Robinson and Elizabeth McDaniel); died on 30 Jun 1888 in Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky; was buried in Macedonia Church Cemetery, Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1870, Clay County, Kentucky
- Census: 1880, Manchester, Clay County, Kentucky
Notes:
Text from Ancestry:
My husbands Aunt Helen (Kratzer) Davis who was born in 1913 and just celebrated her 100th birthday in June 2013, and lives in California. She worked on her family genealogy many years ago, she knew how much I was interested in our family tree and she so graciously gave me her handy work a few years ago and it has been so helpful in my search. There has been a few in Ancestry that get the parents for Edward George Robinson mixed up, and I hope this can clear some of the confusion.
Aunt Helens grandfather Edward George Robinson "Ned" as he was called by the family was the son of Julius Robinson and Elizabeth McDaniel. Aunt Helen said they always called her Granny Beth. The McDaniels and Robinson's came from North Carolina, they wereScotch-Irish. Later they moved to Kentucky and made their home there. Granny Beth made her home most of the time with her son Edward and his family. She was a Herb doctor and nurse, she would always walk from house to house nursing the ones in need. She had been thrown from a horse, and left one leg badly injured, she would never ride a horse after that, and would walk every where.
Sandra (Mostek) Kratzer
9/23/2013
* * *
The story Helen (Kratzer) Davis wrote about her grandfather and entered her story in her little book on the Robinson family, I will share. Her nephew David Kratzer inherited her little book in 2012 that was given to him by his cousin James Davis. Jim is the son of Helen. I wish Helen had put a year down when she entered her stories in the little book. I do know she wrote most of her stories when she was living with her married daughter in California. Today, 2013, she lives in Antelope Valley Care Center, in Lancaster, California. On June 14, 2013 she will be 100 years old. Helen has Alzheimer's Disease and does not recognize her family. Her little book with the pretty rose floral cover hold precious small stories that we will always treasure.
Edward was a Union Soldier in Kentucky. In the 7th Army Regiment, Co. B. Fought in the Civil War, from 1861-1864. Met his wife Mary Tennessee Phipps, while serving in the Army for 3 years. Grandfather Edward was injured in one of the battles. He died at the age of 46 in 1888, leaving a wife and 10 children. He died 4 months before his youngest child was born. Edward was buried in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. The church had bought a large Tomb Stone for his grave, honoring a Civil War Veteran. The Robinson family attended the Macedonia Baptist Church. Mary Tennessee Phipps was married at the age of 14 to Edward George Robinson. They had 13 children. Their home was in Berea, Kentucky. Their first son was born in the year 1867. Thomas Robinson.
Edward Robinson
US Civil War pension index.
widow Mary T. Robinson
minor: John M. Robinson, Gdn.
Service: Company B, 7th Kentucky Infantry.
claim for invalid: 21 Jan 1887
claim for widow: 20 Feb 1890
claim for minor: 26 Aug 1898.
* * * *
US Union soldiers
Edward Robinson
Private
Seventh Infantry.
* * * *
US Civil War soldier records
Name: Edward Robinson
Enlistment Date: 19 Aug 1861
Enlistment Place: Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky
Enlistment Rank: Private
Muster Date: 22 Sep 1861
Muster Place: Kentucky
Muster Company: B
Muster Regiment: 7th Infantry
Muster Regiment Type: Infantry
Muster Information: Enlisted
Muster Out Date: 5 Oct 1864
Muster Out Place: Louisville, Kentucky
Muster Out Information: Mustered Out
Side of War: Union
Survived War?: Yes
Title: Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kentucky
1890 veterans schedules of the US federal census
Special schedule – surviving soldiers, sailors, and marines, and widows, etc.
page 4. S.D.6; E.D.30
Line 44
Tennessee, widow of
Edward Robinson private. Company B, 8th regiment, Kentucky Infantry
Disability incurred: inflammation of stomach.
1870 US census, enumerated 23 July 1870
District 321, Precinct 2, Clay County, Kentucky
Edward Robinson, age 31, farmer
Tennessee, age 20, housekeeper
Thomas, age 3
Robert, age 2
John, age 6 months
Edward's brother Alfred Robinson's household is nearby.
Tennessee Robinson is listed as cannot read, cannot write.
1880 US census, enumerated 23-24 June 1880
Manchester, Clay County, Kentucky
Edward Robinson, age 39, farmer
Mary [Tennie], age 30
Thomas, age 12
Robert, age 11
John, age 10
Rhoda, age 8
Paralee, age 6
Sarah, age 4
Isaih, age 3
Joel, age 1
Mary [Tennie] is listed as cannot read, cannot write. Son Robert is listed as cannot write. John and Rhoda are listed as cannot read, cannot write.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/100263204/edward-george-robinsonEdward married Mary Tennessee "Tennie" Phipps on 30 Dec 1866 in Clay County, Kentucky. Mary (daughter of Samuel Phipps and Mary Hash) was born in 1850 in Clay County, Kentucky; died in 1897 in Kentucky; was buried in Macedonia Church Cemetery, Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
13. Mary Tennessee "Tennie" Phipps was born in 1850 in Clay County, Kentucky (daughter of Samuel Phipps and Mary Hash); died in 1897 in Kentucky; was buried in Macedonia Church Cemetery, Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky. Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/118552365/mary-tennessee-robinsonChildren:
- 6. Thomas Alva Robinson was born on 27 Sep 1867 in Clay County, Kentucky; died on 9 Dec 1944 in Corbin, Whitley County, Kentucky; was buried on 12 Dec 1944 in Elk Spring Cemetery, Monticello, Wayne County, Kentucky.
- Robert Robinson was born on 10 Sep 1868 in Clay County, Kentucky.
- John Robinson was born on 5 Feb 1870 in Clay County, Kentucky; died on 18 Nov 1958 in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio; was buried in Macedonia Church Cemetery, Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky.
- Rhoda "Rose" Robinson was born in Jun 1872 in Kentucky; died after 1951.
- Pearlee Robinson was born on 27 Jun 1874 in Kentucky; died in 1920 in Kentucky; was buried in Camp Ground Cemetery, Boreing, Laurel County, Kentucky.
- Sarah Elizabeth Robinson was born on 1 Jan 1876 in Kentucky; died on 2 May 1911 in Laurel County, Kentucky; was buried on 4 May 1911 in Camp Ground Cemetery, Boreing, Laurel County, Kentucky.
- Isaiah Robinson was born about 1877 in Kentucky; was buried in Macedonia Church Cemetery, Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky.
- Joel Robinson was born on 27 May 1879 in Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky; died on 30 Sep 1961 in Superior, Pinal County, Arizona; was buried on 5 Oct 1961 in Fairview Cemetery, Superior, Pinal County, Arizona.
- Laura Robinson was born on 1 Aug 1882 in Berea, Madison County, Kentucky; died on 7 Oct 1935 in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio; was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio.
- Daniel Robinson was born in May 1884 in Kentucky.
- Mary Jane Robinson was born on 27 Nov 1886 in Burning Springs, Clay County, Kentucky; died on 4 Jan 1984 in Newhall, Los Angeles County, California; was buried in Joshua Memorial Park, Lancaster, Los Angeles County, California.
- Jewell Ruth Robinson was born on 6 Oct 1888 in Kentucky; died on 29 Jan 1980 in Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia; was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Twinsburg, Summit County, Ohio.