Oramel H. Simpson

Oramel H. Simpson became governor of the state of Louisiana upon the death of his predecessor, Henry L. Fuqua.

Simpson was born in Washington, Louisiana on March 20, 1870 and was educated at Centenary College at Jackson and Tulane University Law School. He achieved the rank of lieutenant governor before Fuqua's death and succeeded to the governorship on October 11, 1926.

During his term as governor, Simpson opposed a toll bridge across the eastern portion of Lake Pontchartrain which was being built to connect New Orleans and Slidell. Simpson suggested building a toll-free bridge from Chef Menteur, but influential figures in New Orleans were able to get the toll bridge built despite his objections. He later started a ferry service instead; it was free of charge.

The Ku Klux Klan proved to be a problem during Simpson's term of office as well. Legislation was passed to outlaw hoods, masks and robes excepting those worn during Mardi Gras and at masked balls or parties.

A great flood in 1927 forced Simpson to order a "downriver cut" of the levee in order to protect New Orleans. Afterwards, the affected states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi worked together to secure federal aid for flood prevention. The owners of some properties damaged by the levee cut were compensated by the state.

Simpson became Secretary of the Senate after leaving office and died of a heart seizure in New Orleans on November 17, 1932.