William E. Simpson | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Simpson in 1936 | |
| 32nd District Attorney of Los Angeles County | |
| In office December 1, 1946 – April 29, 1951 | |
| Preceded by | Frederick N. Howser |
| Succeeded by | S. Ernest Roll |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 56th district | |
| In office January 6, 1913 – January 4, 1915 | |
| Preceded by | L. D. Bohnett |
| Succeeded by | Witten William Harris |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Edward Simpson April 12, 1889 Galesburg, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | April 12, 1889 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Ethel M. Simpson (m. 1912) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Stanford Law School |
William Edward Simpson (April 12, 1889 – April 29, 1951) was an American politician who served as the Los Angeles County District Attorney from 1946 until his death in 1951. Prior to his appointment as District Attorney, he served in the California State Assembly from 1913 until 1915.
Early life and education
editSimpson was born on April 12, 1889, in Galesburg, Illinois. He moved to California with his parents, settling in Bakersfield, where he graduated from Kern County High School. He later attended Stanford Law School, graduating in 1912. He began practicing law in Bakersfield that same year, continuing until 1916, when he relocated to Fresno, California. In Fresno, he engaged in general legal practice until 1928.[1]
California State Assembly
edit
In 1912, Simpson launched his candidacy for the California State Assembly, focusing on local issues. His campaign drew support from Stanford students, who assisted him regardless of political affiliations.[2]
Simpson led Crease in the election and was elected.
Fresno City Attorney
editDistrict Attorney of Los Angeles County
editOn November 26, 1946, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors appointed Simpson to fill the unexpired term of Frederick N. Howser, who had resigned after being elected Attorney General of California.
Personal life
editSimpson married Ethel M. Simpson on December 31, 1912. The couple had two children, William E. Simpson Jr. and Robert J. Simpson. On April 29, 1951, Simpson passed away at St. Vincent's Hospital after months of illness. Despite his condition, he continued to work until being admitted to the hospital.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Ex-Legislator Is Dead in LA". The Sacramento Union. April 29, 1951. p. 1.
- ^ "William E. Simpson – Fifty-Sixth District". San Francisco Examiner. October 20, 1912. p. 59.
- ^ "Death Claims LA Prosecutor, Former Fresnan". The Fresno Bee. April 29, 1951. p. 1.