The Life of Bishop Matthew Simpson
At the time of his death, Matthew Simpson was one of the most respected orators in the nation. Born in Cadiz, Ohio, in 1811, Simpson had little formal early schooling, and was largely self-educated. He had a diverse early career, teaching in a local academy, practicing medicine in Ohio, working as an itinerant preacher, and preaching in a church in Pittsburgh.
In 1837, he enrolled in Allegheny College, but was offered an honorary degree instead, and offered a position on the faculty. In 1839, he was appointed president of Indiana Asbury University, and in 1841, transferred to the vice-presidency of Allegheny College and the Professorship of Natural Sciences there. He taught a variety of subjects, including mathematics, natural science, philosophy and theology. In 1848, he became editor of the "Western Christian Advocate."
In 1836, Simpson joined the Methodist ministry, and would travel extensively throughout the United States, becoming well-known. In 1852, he would be elected Bishop of the Methodist Church. During the 1850s, he continued to travel, going abroad to such countries as Italy, Greece, Palestine and Egypt. In 1859, he moved to Evanston, Illinois, in order to further the progress of Northwestern University.
Matthew Simpson was an ardent abolitionist and supporter of the Union, and as editor of the "Western Christian Advocate," his views became known to politicians and men in power, among them Secretary of War Edward M. Stanton, who during the Civil War, frequently invited Simpson for discussions. President Abraham Lincoln also relied on the advice given to him by Bishop Simpson. Lincoln appreciated not only Simpson’s religious views, but also his thinking regarding the affairs of the nation. Lincoln thought Simpson to be a wise and thoughtful man. During the 1864 presidential election, Simpson made numerous speeches in support of Lincoln and the Union.
In 1863, Simpson accepted the position of Bishop of the Philadelphia area, and moved there from Evanston. to house/div>/div>
In 1837, he enrolled in Allegheny College, but was offered an honorary degree instead, and offered a position on the faculty. In 1839, he was appointed president of Indiana Asbury University, and in 1841, transferred to the vice-presidency of Allegheny College and the Professorship of Natural Sciences there. He taught a variety of subjects, including mathematics, natural science, philosophy and theology. In 1848, he became editor of the "Western Christian Advocate."
In 1836, Simpson joined the Methodist ministry, and would travel extensively throughout the United States, becoming well-known. In 1852, he would be elected Bishop of the Methodist Church. During the 1850s, he continued to travel, going abroad to such countries as Italy, Greece, Palestine and Egypt. In 1859, he moved to Evanston, Illinois, in order to further the progress of Northwestern University.
Matthew Simpson was an ardent abolitionist and supporter of the Union, and as editor of the "Western Christian Advocate," his views became known to politicians and men in power, among them Secretary of War Edward M. Stanton, who during the Civil War, frequently invited Simpson for discussions. President Abraham Lincoln also relied on the advice given to him by Bishop Simpson. Lincoln appreciated not only Simpson’s religious views, but also his thinking regarding the affairs of the nation. Lincoln thought Simpson to be a wise and thoughtful man. During the 1864 presidential election, Simpson made numerous speeches in support of Lincoln and the Union.
In 1863, Simpson accepted the position of Bishop of the Philadelphia area, and moved there from Evanston. to house/div>/div>