Seeking sources for information on James Simpson (b. Scotland 1747- d. 1820)

[dhernandez2]

James Simpson (b. Scotland 1747 - d. Tangier, Morocco 1820). Had business in Gibraltar c. 1792 (Anderson & Simpson). Became consul representing Rusia, then the US c. 1794. Transferred to Tangier as US Consul in 1797. Died in Tangier in 1820. Without a birth month & day, I cannot narrow down a place of origin in Scotland. Administrative log from US Consulate in Tangier is missing from US Archives. Would like to know more about his origins, marriage(s?) & children. I have anecdotal evidence of family link to him but seek more information. Any help/suggestion is appreciated.

[GR2]

From the Scots Magazine, 1-7-1820:

March 10. Suddenly, while walking in
his garden, near Tangier, in the 73d year
of his age, James Simpson, Esq. American
Consul to the Emperor of Morocco, for-
merly Russian Consul at Gibraltar, and
partner in the house of Anderson and
Simpson, merchants there.

There is possibly a will lurking somewhere. If it was confirmed in Scotland, you'll find it on the ScotlandsPeople site.

[dhernandez2]

Thank you. I am aware of the entry in Scots Magazine you quote. I am intrigued by your comment "..if it was confirmed in Scotland..." What does this mean? I have tried looking for a will in his name but found none.

[GR2]

He might not have made a will, but if he did, I suppose the problem might be in which country to look for it. Confirmation is the Scottish equivalent of probate.

[whiteout7]

English merchant James Simpson (d. 1820), who was currently the Russian consul at Gibraltar, was appointed U.S. consul there in 1794. In 1796 he became U.S. consul at Morocco, a post he held until his death.

Marriage:
Dec.2.1789. At Gibraltar, James Simpson Esq: Russian Consul to Miss Harriet Mawby,  daughter  of Major Mawby of 18th foot (or regiment) (Scots Magazine)

Major Sebright Mawby - Served in Gibraltar 1787 to 1793; served in Toulon and Sicily; Major in 18th Foot 1 June 1799; commanded 18th Foot on Minorca 1800 to 1802; Lieutenant-Colonel of 53rd Foot 5 October 1804; subsequently brevet Colonel 4 June 1813; Major-General 12 August 181.

Possible Children of James Simpson and Harriet Mawby
1/Helen Ann married Peter WILSON, 11 June 1840 in London, England (arrived NZ 1841, died 24 June 1871 in New Plymouth NZ NZbdm)
2/John James (Uruguay via Argentina)(Also think he was temporary consul for Morroco on fathers death)
3/Sebright Thomas Simpson (b.28 Aug 1803 in Tangiers) married Jane Reynolds 23 May 1833,Manchester, Lancashire, England.Had a daughter Emily Jane Simpson b. 1841 Manchester, England who married a Towgood. (Emily Jane Towgood died in 1910 aged 68 in NZ NZbdm) Had a son Sebright James Simpson
11 May 1836, Manchester, Lancashire, England (IGI) who died 1878 aged 42Y in NZ NZbdm.

http://genforum.genealogy.com/mawby/messages/143.html

Helen Ann Wilson Biography proves she was James Simpsons daughter:
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1w29/wilson-helen-ann

Peter Wilson 'Colonial Surgeon' by Gail Lambert - book about Helen's husband

No clues to where James Simpson died 1820, Tangiers was born .... I suppose there was no such thing as a Morrocan death certificate back then?

[whiteout7]

Mr Simpsons residence in Tangiers was called Mt Washington and they still owned it in 1835, while they were residing in Spain - it it possible that Harriet Simpson (nee Mawby died in England, would she have a will/probate?)
http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=s6L9r84v9a0C&pg=PA288&lpg=PA288&dq=.+Mount+Washington+was+the+villa+of+the+late+American+consul,+Mr.+Simpson&source=bl&ots=YgGDwlhOIs&sig=vxeQGQIVgF1GHzI2pIARjmBF4vY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=7tVdVJCSDKi5mwWl9YDIAw&ved=0CCMQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=.%20Mount%20Washington%20was%20the%20villa%20of%20the%20late%20American%20consul%2C%20Mr.%20Simpson&f=false

[lp1]

I am working on a history book in which simpson plays a major role.  I am curious about your possible connection to him.  I do have some (limited) family information i can share.  Please contact me via email: * .  (Lawrence Peskin, History department, Morgan State University).
* Moderator comment: personal e-mail address removed in accordance with RootsChat general guidance and practice to prevent others spamming or abusing it.  Please use the personal message system to exchange such details.  New members need to make two or three messages in order to access the system.  Thanks