John Simpson 1830-1917

John Simpson of Drumreagh, Ballygowan, was a handloom weaver to trade, and also one of the most famous country fiddlers of his generation. He played at dances in the large country houses such as Finnebrogue, Delamont and Florida Manor, as well as playing in halls and farmhouses. Pupils used to go to his home for lessons, but when he was an old man, and retired from weaving, he travelled round the country and taught pupils in their own homes. His expertise in the art of ‘crushed bowing’ (very similar to the ‘driven bow’ that is characteristic of Scottish fiddling — but without lifting the bow off the string on the second note) was passed on to his pupils and made them instantly recognizable to anyone interested in fiddle music. One of the Gordon family of Florida Manor arrived on horseback at Simpson’s home one summer night. He did not tie up his horse, because he assumed that he would have learned to play the fiddle before his horse got restless!

Some of Simpson’s pupils were also famous in their day as dance music fiddlers. Just a few of these were: Willie McCloy, Derryboye; William James Gibson, Ballykeigle; Geordie Montgomery, Killinchy; Willie Glover, Drumaghlis; David Carse, Magherascouse; William John and Sam Crawford, Magherascouse; and Adam Haslett, Drumreagh.