Stephen Simpson (writer)

Stephen Simpson
Born(1789-07-24)July 24, 1789
DiedAugust 17, 1854(1854-08-17) (aged 65)
Occupation(s)Banker, journalist, writer, politician
Political partyJeffersonian Republican, Jacksonian Democrat, Working Men's Party, Federalist, Whig
SpouseMary C. Watkins

Stephen Simpson (July 24, 1789 August 17, 1854) was born in Philadelphia, the son of George Simpson, a prominent Philadelphia banker. During the War of 1812 he fought in the Battle of New Orleans under General Andrew Jackson. Through his father's connections Stephen became a cashier at the First Bank of the United States where he soon resigned and went to work at Stephen Girard's bank. Soon after he worked as a writer for a local newspaper where he wrote a series of editorials publicly attacking the First Bank of the United States. He later co-founded the Columbian Observer where he continued his public attacks on this bank.

Simpson later preferred writing over political pursuits and is also noted for his other works which include a dual biography of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and another biography critical of prominent Philadelphia banker Girard. Simpson's social and political philosophy embraced both conservative and radical ideals.