Oramel H. Simpson

Oramel Hinckley Simpson (March 20, 1870 – November 17, 1932) became the 39th governor of Louisiana upon the death of his predecessor, Henry L. Fuqua.

Early life and education Simpson was born to Samuel Simpson and Mary Esther (Beer) Simpson in Washington, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana on March 20, 1870 and was educated at Centenary College at Jackson and Tulane University Law School. He married Louise Ernestine Pichet in 1899 and that year began public service as a warrant clerk at the New Orleans Mint.

Political career Before winning statewide office, Simpson spent more than two decades in the Louisiana Senate’s administrative leadership: assistant secretary (1900–1908) and secretary (1908–1924). He also served as secretary of the 1921 state constitutional convention. Simpson opposed the toll franchise and promoted a toll-free crossing from Chef Menteur; although the franchise went forward, his administration authorized a free ferry so motorists could avoid the toll.

In this period Louisiana’s anti-masking statute—aimed at Ku Klux Klan activity but with exceptions for events like Mardi Gras—was upheld by the state supreme court in 1925, shortly before Simpson took office. Simpson also helped organize a tri-state flood-control commission with Mississippi and Arkansas following the disaster to secure federal aid for flood prevention.

Later life and death

Simpson ran in the 1928 Democratic primary for governor but lost to Huey P. Long. He then practiced law in New Orleans and held state posts, including service as a special agent to the Louisiana tax commission and legal representative for the inheritance tax collector. Simpson later became Secretary of the State Senate. Simpson died of a heart seizure in New Orleans on November 17, 1932, and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery.