Jessie L. Simpson (1882 — April 14, 1974) was a staff member in the United States Senate, appointed clerk of the Committee on Foreign Relations in 1916. At the time, she was the second highest paid woman in the federal government.
Early life Jessie L. Simpson was born in Illinois and raised in St. Louis, Missouri."Important Post for Woman" New York Times (January 3, 1917): 10. via Newspapers.com
Career Simpson worked in political campaigns for Jacob F. Wolters in Texas and for Champ Clark in St. Louis. She attended the 1912 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland."This Girl Learns Political Game" Greenville News (July 4, 1912): 1. via Newspapers.com She helped to run Democratic Western Headquarters in Chicago as secretary to Senator William J. Stone."Can Keep Secrets" Messenger-Inquirer (October 16, 1916): 3. via Newspapers.com In 1916, Simpson was appointed as clerk to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,"Woman Honored by Stone" News-Palladium (December 28, 1916): 12. via Newspapers.com becoming the second woman, after Leona Wells in 1901,"Forgotten Pioneers: Leona Wells and Jesse Simpson" United States Senate. to serve as secretary of any Senate committee, and thus gain "privileges of the floor"."St. Louis Girl Accorded Honor by U. S. Senate" Dayton Herald (January 26, 1917): 15. via Newspapers.com Her salary of $3000 made her the second-highest-paid woman in the federal government, after Julia Lathrop, and the New York Times described her job as "the most responsible of all Senate clerkships."
In late 1917,"Stone's Secretary to Europe" Des Moines Register (November 17, 1917): 4. via Newspapers.com she joined the auditing office of the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I."Sacrifices Much to Serve Abroad" Lincoln Journal Star (November 22, 1917): 3. via Newspapers.com After the war, she was secretary to Senator Robert A. Taft."Jessie L. Simpson" Asbury Park Press (April 16, 1974): 15. via Newspapers.com
Personal life Simpson was described as dressing "in the sensible way that all promising young business women are expected to dress. She wears soft silk collars and cravats, and plain tailored suits.""Lady in the Senate" Durham Morning Herald (February 3, 1917): 5. via Newspapers.com Simpson died in 1974, aged 91 years, in a hospital in Holmdel Township, New Jersey.
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