San Francisco County

Biographies

J. SIMPSON

J. Simpson, for many years prominently identified with commercial interests of the coast, and official representative of the Danish Government, at San Francisco, is a native of Denmark, born at Nestved, August 15, 1840. He received his education in the high schools of his native city, taking his examination in Copenhagen in 1862. He emigrated to the Pacific coast two years later, coming to Mexico as first officer on a Chilian ship. On account of severe illness, he left the ship and came up the coast on the steamer Pacific, arriving in this city in 1864. He was master of many vessels and followed the sea for many years, then retired and became the leading member of the firm of Simpson & Fisher, wholesale dealers in cotton duck and twine, sail-makers and manufacturers of bunting flags, etc.

Captain Simpson received his present appointment as Consul from the king of Denmark about seven years ago. He was complimented and decorated by the king of Denmark November 15, 1889, as a “Knight of the Order of Dannebrog.” He has been prominently identified with the public benevolent interests of the city. In 1877 he was chosen President of the Master Marines’ Benevolent Society, and in 1879 was chosen President of the Scandinavian Society of this city. In 1888, with his family, he returned to his native country, making a prolonged visit, visiting among other places the exposition at Copenhagen. He is correspondent of the private bank of Copenhagen. In 1876 he married Miss A. Ortved, a native of Copenhagen, the Danish capital city, and they have three children, Agnes Louise, Magarite and Amelia.

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, pages 141-142, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.