Elias Simpson Owns Half of Township

Article taken from The Salem Daily News, May 29, 1896

The returns of the assessors of Morgan township show that Elias Simpson, who started in as a day laborer on a farm, and has worked on a farm all his life, owns more than half of the township.  He returns for taxation personal property at $36,835 in addition to $25,000 due from the defunct Farmers' bank not yet appraised.

The entire township return $56,015.  Mr. Simpson owns the only piano in the township and it is listed at a higher value than any other instrument in the county.  He also owns three farms worth $53,480.  He still has his first tax receipt, which was for 37 cents.  His career has been a remarkable one.  He was roaming over the country as a farm hand and has remained there ever since, making all his money by farm labor.