Mae R. Chiddlster Simpson

A photograph to come!

Mae Roxanna Chiddister Simpson was born April 23, 1892 in Lagrange County.
Mae moved to Goshen, Indiana following her marriage to Aldo Simpson an attorney and later Elkhart County Circuit Court Judge. (Mae and Aldo dated for eight years).
After her marriage to Aldo, she began an active career, including working behind the scenes in local politics; also serving on several board of directors for various groups.
In the 1980’s when a series on notable local women was written for the Goshen News; there were probably women who might have remembered back to 1918 when Mae stood outside her precinct polling place asking male voters to sign a petition for the approval of the constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote. She continued her efforts for suffrage until it became law in 1920.

Mrs. Simpson also worked as a Republican precinct committeewoman; supporting many political activities over the years. In addition to her political interests, Mae belonged to many clubs and organizations. She was a charter member of the Child Study Group which later was incorporated into the Women’s Federated Club, was a member of the Mothers of World War II, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Four Arts Club and Fairview Grange. In 1970 she was honored as a 51-year member of the Starlight Chapter of Eastern Star. Some of the boards that Mae served on included the American Red Cross, Elkhart County Tuberculosis Association and Goshen General Hospital.
Mae passed away on July 21, 1978 at the age of 86.
(these facts were gathered from a Goshen Newspaper article from March 9, 1984 by Carol Summy which was part of a series on Goshen Women)