SIMPSON, ROBERT KIRKPATRICK (1837-1921) was born in Argyllshire, Scotland, educated privately at Morven, and brought up to sheepfarming. Coming to New Zealand in 1859 by the Queen of the Avon, he engaged in sheepfarming at Turakina. In 1862 he purchased Closeburn, Bonny Glen, where he remained unmolested by the Maoris during the war. In 1878 he bought land at Hunterville and began clearing it. For 26 years Simpson was inspector of sheep for Rangitikei and the West Coast, rising to senior inspector for the Colony. He was a member of the highway board from 1863 until it was abolished, when he was elected to the Rangitikei county council, of which he was treasurer for many years. He was a witness before the federation commission (1901) and sat in the Legislative Council (1914-21). He died on 5 Aug 1921. His wife was a daughter of Alexander Grant (1808-97), of Inverness, who arrived in New Zealand in 1840 and in Rangitikei 1846.

N.Z.P.D., 23 Sep 1921; J. G. Wilson; Cycl. N.Z., i. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 2, page 154

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