Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/112

tion; Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, and a member of its advisory board ; Confederate Memorial Literary Society (Confederate Museum, Richmond, Virginia) ; Southern Historical Society; Virginia Historical Society, and a member of its executive committee; Virginia Society of Sons of the Revolution ; Westmoreland Club and Business Men's Club, of Richmond; and is a member of the following fraternal organizations of the University of Virginia: Alpha Tau Omega, national; Delta Chi, national; Theta Nu Epsilon, national; the Skull and Kevs Society, local; the O. F. C. Society, local; the "Z", local; the T. 1. L. K. A. Society, local, and was the founder of the Lambda Pi, academic fraternity (local). He is the author of "A Map Showing Virginia Antiquities," published in 1901 ; "The Evolution of Mason and Dixon Line" (pamphlet), published in 1902 ; "The Burning of the Rotunda," University of Virginia (pamphlet), published in 1905 ; "Concerning the Boyson Essay and its Defence," (pamphlet) published in 1909; and "A Complete Index to Stith's History of Virginia," published in 1912. He resides at No. 113 South Third street, Richmond, Virginia.

Richard Lee Simpson, D. D. S. Dr. Richard Lee Simpson, the noted dental surgeon of Richmond. Virginia, who has achieved a reputation which would do honor to a man greatly his senior in point of years, is still a comparatively young man. He is, however, one of that class of men who know the value of time, and never allow a minute to pass unused. This was a trait which characterized him from early youth, and its cultivation has enabled him to accomplish seemingly impossible amounts of work.

J. Charlton Simpson, his father, was of Scotch-Irish descent, a builder by occupation, and made an especial study of mathematics and mechanics. He married Sarah Elizabeth Backensto, who was of Spanish descent, and died at an early age. Mrs. J. F. Hickok took charge of Dr. Simpson after the death of his mother, and to her loving care and training Dr. Simpson gives credit for any success which he has attained.

Richard Lee Simpson, D. D. S., was born in Mncastle, Botetourt county, Virginia, April 21, 1873. His education was acquired at public and private schools in his native town, and this he supplemented by home study and diligent reading, being more fond of books than of sports which would take him from them. Drawing, wood-carving and the invention of little mechanical devices also absorbed much of his time and attention during his boyhood days. In 1889 he became a student at the preparatory school, Montvale, Virginia, conducted by Professor Charles B. Tate, being graduated from this in 1891, and receiving a scholarship which enabled him to attend the Washington and Lee University, at Lexington, Virginia, 1891 and 1892, and there he distinguished himself by his work in the Latin and Physiological departments. He next taught school for one year at Laymantown. Virginia, and from 1893 to 1896 studied in the dental department of the University of Maryland, at Baltimore. In the seven prize contests open to him at this institution he carried off three first prizes and three second prizes, one of them being for the highest class standing in a class of fifty-four members.

Immediately after his graduation Dr. Simpson established himself in the practice of his profession in Fincastle, at the same time continuing his studies along this line in an earnest and practical manner. By means of papers, clinics, and discussions before various dental associations in the United States and Canada, he aroused and stimulated interest in dental problems. Many of his papers have been published and have had a wide circulation, and are regarded as authoritative. One of them was translated and published in a French magazine, in Paris, and one at Rio De Janiero, Brazil. In 1903 Dr. Simpson was elected a member of the Virginia State Board of Dental Examiners, and filled that office until 1905, when he was chosen professor of dental surgery, crown and bridge work, in the University College of Medicine, at Richmond, now the Medical College of Virginia, and at the present time (1915) is filling the chair of clinical dentistry. Dr. Simpson was instrumental in re-organizing the University College of Medicine School of Dentistry, and when this was consolidated with the Medical College of Virginia in 191 3, he was elected chairman (dean) of the School of Dentistry, and con- tinues to hold that office. At the centennial of Maryland University in 1907, the honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred