Charles E. Simpson of Yates Center, one of the most skillful and successful veterinary surgeons of the state, is a young man of exceptional ability, who is fully imbued with that American spirit of accomplishment which has been so characteristic of the citizens of Kansas and has placed it so prominently in the foreground as a progressive state. Dr. Simpson was born in Oregon, Mo., Oct. 3, 1881, and is of Irish descent, the original ancestors of the Simpson family in America having been emigrants from the Emerald Isle. His father, Samuel Simpson, was born in Toledo, Ohio, and came to Missouri with his parents when seven years old. The latter is a bricklayer by trade and has also engaged in farming, being the owner of a fine fruit farm near Oregon, Mo., where he has resided many years. In political affairs he gives his allegiance to the Republican party. James Simpson, grandfather of Dr. Simpson, was born in Ohio, from whence he removed to Missouri and later came to Doniphan county, Kansas, where he resided until his death, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. He, too, was a farmer.

Dr. Charles E. Simpson received his education in the public schools of Oregon, Mo., and was graduated in the high schools there in 1898. He had learned the bricklayer's trade, but had decided on another line of endeavor as his life's occupation. In 1901 he entered the Veterinary college at Kansas City, Mo., and there spent two years in diligent preparation for the profession he had chosen, working at his trade in the meantime, however, to earn money with which to pay expenses. Later he entered the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, Canada, and was graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1907. Prior to taking the latter course he had practiced at Shelbyville, Mo., one year, and also had practiced at Quincy, Ill. Upon completing the course at the Ontario Veterinary College he came to Kansas and located at Yates Center, where he has since practiced his profession very successfully and has won a high standing among the veterinary practitioners of the state. He opened his office at Yates Center in a livery barn and made $3,500 his first year there. He has been correspondingly successful each succeeding year, and keeps abreast with the progress of his profession through his membership in both the Kansas and the Missouri Veterinary Medical associations. In 1907, with T. T. Cotter, he opened a drug store at Yates Center and they are now conducting a very successful business. Besides the interests already mentioned he is also extensively engaged in the raising of hay and in its sale.

On Sept. 26, 1907, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Simpson and Miss Grace M., daughter of Silas Hershner of New Point, Mo. Mrs. Simpson is a member of the Presbyterian church. Fraternally Mr. Simpson is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Knights of Pythias, and is past chancellor commander of Oak Hill Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Yates Center. He is a Republican in his political views and takes an active interest in his party's welfare, though he has never sought official honors. Energetic and capable he is progressive in all of his personal interests and in his views upon all the issues of the day, and ranks among the foremost men of Woodson county.