Born on 8 June 1811 at Blainslie, Lauderdale, Berwick, Scotland, the son of John Simson, farmer, and his wife Elizabeth, nee Somerville. Educated at the University of Edinburgh. Licensed by the Presbytery of Lauder (later Earlston) on 4 February 1834. Ordained by the Presbytery of Lauder on 14 May 1840. Arrived at Melbourne on 13 December 1840 per "Midlothian" from Leith, Scotland, en route to Van Diemen's Land. At St. Matthew's Presbyterian Church, O'Brien's Bridge (Glenorchy), Tasmania (1841-70). He married on 28 August 1851 at (the residence of William John Turner Clarke, Esq.?) New Town, V.D.L., to Mary Ann(e) Wilson, daughter of William Borrodaile Wilson of 'Clarendon,' Macquarie Plains, V.D.L. (and his wife Grace, nee Lord?). In October 1853 he entered into partnership in the 'Roseneath' and 'Dergholme' stations, Victoria. Retired from his post at Glenorchy in 1870 and took up residence at 'Roseneath.' Died on 11 March 1872 at 'Roseneath' station, near Casterton, Victoria, and was buried on 14 March 1872 at Casterton Cemetery, Vic.

[death certificate; Scott Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae (death details wrong); Ward & Prentis Presbyterian Ministers in Australia 1822-1901; A. E. Grant Lipp (descendant)]

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