matthew was born in cadiz, ohio. his grandfather, thomas simpson, was a british soldier who emigrated to ireland. matthew's father came to america in 1793. matthew's grandfather tingley was a revolutionary soldier. matthew's uncle also was matthew simpson, who also emigrated from ireland to america in 1793. this matthew simpson represented harrison county, ohio, in the ohio state senate for ten years, and served as judge of the county court for seven years. in later life, he lived with his nephew, reaching the advanced age of ninety-eight. matthew, the nephew, married ellen h. verner of pittsburgh.