William Simpson

William Simpson, known affectionately as “Daddy” Simpson was called the father of the furniture industry in Waterloo. He was five months old when his parents immigrated to Canada in 1832 and settled in St. George, where William received his education.

He became apprenticed to a cabinetmaker at Hamilton and learned the art of furniture making thoroughly. In 1856 he assumed control of one of the two furniture factories in Berlin and continued with various partners until the business was sold to Canada Furniture Manufacturers, Limited.