Born on November 18, James Edward Simpson (1807-1871) was the younger brother of Ezekiel E. Simpson. His father, John Simpson, built the Woodbine Mill, a water-powered sawmill, on the Simpson River near the town of Bagdad.

Following the death of his father, James assumed operation of Woodbine Mill. In 1843, he married Elizabeth Henrietta Burns (1812-1846). Elizabeth died from a brief illness after only three years of marriage.

James'lineage contains influential figures in American history. His maternal grandfather, General Andrew Pickens, distinguished himself at the Battle of Cowpens during the Revolution and Fort Pickens was named in his honor. James was a distant the cousin of John C. Calhoun, seventh Vice-President of the United States.

James Edward Simpson died on June 12, 1871