A pioneer from the West (Colorado) was Elizabeth Burgess Simpson. She
     was born at Corisso Springs, Colorado, August 12, 1889, the daughter of 
     Robert C. and Annie White Burgess. The family moved to New Mexico, Oklahoma,
     then to Coldwater and eventually to Kiowa, Kansas.
       Elizabeth received her education in Beaver County, Oklahoma 20 miles
     south of Coldwater and then graduated from Kiowa High SChool. She attended
     Fairmount Academy to receive her normal training in preparation to teach
     school. School included a year at Hazelton and six at Kiowa.
       She married Keith S. Simpson December 20, 1913. He was  Kiowa attorney
     and was Barber County District Attorney. In 1919 he died in the flu epidemic.
       It was a hard blow for a young mother of two small sons. Her years of
     following cattle herds across the plains, and her seven years of teaching
     had prepared her with strength and stamina to carry on.
       Elizabeth served as clerk of Barber County District Court, and in 1922
     was appointed as postmaster in Medicine Lodge. Following that position,
     she operated 99 Springs Resort for a time.
       In 1943 she took the office of County Clerk and continued there until
     she retired at the age of 75.
       Her sons, Donald and Burns, received their education in the Medicine
     Lodge schools. Donald now resides in Hutchinson. Burns became a Captain
     in the U.S. Army Air Corp and lost his life in WWII in Tunis.
       Elizabeth was involved in OES, American Legion, VFW Auxiliary, Red Cross,
     Lincoln Library board and the United Methodist Church. Elizabeth was pageant
     chairman of the 1927 Indian Peace Treaty Pageant presentation. Her determined
     efforts continued through the 5th presentation.
       She spent her retirement in her home in Medicine Lodge surrounded by books,
     one of her great loves, enjoyed china painting and bridge. Her son, Don,
     spent much time with her the last few years of her life. She died in 1975.
     Her life was filled with service to her fellowman.
                
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas, pg. 417 
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