Edgar B. Sims, son of Benjamin J. and Susan Smith Sims, was born in Roane Co.; however, the family moved to Reedy District, Wirt County, in 1888. He was educated at Glenville and West Liberty Normal Schools and graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. degree. He taught school 14 years and was Superintendent of Schools at West Union for four years. He was also Superintendent of Schools in Wood County, West Virginia, from 1911 to 1915. He was elected State Auditor of West Virginia and served 7 consecutive terms and was still in office at the time of his death in 1960. He was the author of Making a State and the Sims Land Index of West Virginia. While serving as Auditor, he often was referred to as the "Watchdog of the Treasury" and considered a very honest and trustworthy official.
Charleston Gazette - June 1960
Auditor Edgar B. Sims Is Buried "By the Book"
By John G. Morgan, Staff Writer
At 2 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, the funeral service began.
The warm air in the church was stirred by five fans oscillating in front of six stained glass windows. Two more fans turned in the empty choir loft.
It was a setting that might have been approved by the man for whom the service was held - State Auditor Edgar B. Sims
He believed that his office should be opened and closed on Eastern Standard Time. His authority was the law as he interpreted it.
He believed that only fans should be used to combat the summer heat in his office. He contended that air conditioners were an unnecessary expense and a blight on the architectural grace of the State Capitol.
About 350 persons, including present and former state officials, attended the funeral service in the First Presbyterian Church, a large brick structure with white columns on Second Ave. in South Charleston.
Among them were Gov. Underwood and former Governors Okey L. Patterson and Homer A. Holt.
Listed as honorary pallbearers were members of the Board of Public Works, including Underwood; State School Supt. R. Virgil Rohrbough; Atty. Gen. W. W. Barren, the Democratic nominee for Governor; Treasurer Orel J. Skeen; Agriculture Commissioner John T. Johnson; and Secretary of State Joe F. Burdett.
Active pallbearers were John H. Kelly, Democratic nominee for state treasurer; Henry L. Ash, director of the Department of Finance and Administration; Milton S. Koslow. former cheif clerk in Sims' office; George Wilson Jr. of the Treasury Department; J. Howard Myers, State Senate clerk; Hugh N. Mills, Board of Public Works staff official; Denzil Gainer of the legislative auditor's office; and Giles Snyder, assistant attorney general.
Among those attending were Liz McGuire, Republican nominee for auditor and the man whom Underwood named earlier in the day as Sims' successor until the general election; Harold E. Neeley, Republican nominee for Governor; and Democratic State Chairman Hulett C. Smith.
Sims' career as an auditor extended over a period of more than 27 years. He was elected for seven four-year terms, probably more than any other official in West Virginia history. While still in his seventh term, the ailing 78-year-old official was nominated for an unprecedented eighth term in the May 10 primary.
Colorful, controversial and a cracker barrell philosopher, he held tightly to the state's purse strings and built a reputationas the "old watchdog of tha state treasury." He died Monday after an extended illness.
Mr. Wayne Smith, assistant minister of the First Presbyterian Church, read from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship to open the services. He followed with readings of the 90th, the 121st and the 23rd psalms.
Dr. Frank H. Ryburn, former pastor and the stated clerk of the Kanawha Presbytery, read selected verses from the 14th chapter of St. John, the eighth chapter of Romans and the 15th chapter of First Corinthians. He read Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar" and again from the Book of Common Worship.
The service was completed in about 20 minutes. About 40 cars took place in the procession to nearby Sunset Memorial Park.
At the graveside on the far western edge of the cemetery, Mr. Smith again read selected verses and Dr. Ryburn read the committal service, a prayer and benediction.
At 3:18 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, it was all over, done according to the book, as Sims might have approved. It was the end of an era.
---------------------------
AUDITOR EDGAR B. SIMS
PASSED AWAY MONDAY
Wirt County Journal
June 23, 1960
State Auditor Edgar B. Sims, 78, who held office longer than any other person in the history of the State, died on Monday, June 20 (West Virginia's 97th birthday) in Charleston Memorial Hospital, after an illness of more than three months.
A native of Roane County, he was born Jan. 29, 1882, a son of the late Benjamin and Susan Smith Sims. He attended Glenville and West Liberty State Colleges, and was graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. degree. He was a former Wirt Countian, and a school teacher, school superintendent, and traveling salesman, before he entered politics in 1932, when was was first elected State Auditor, a position he held until his death.
He was elected an unprecedented seven terms as Auditor, and even when bedfast this past May was nominated by the Democrats for an eighth term. During his long tenure of office he gained the title of the "Watchdog of the Treasury." This came about in particular by his most strict adherence to provision of the law which specifies "no money shall be drawn from the Treasury except for services rendered or goods or materials received." He prided himself in his accomplishments of enforcing this provision.
Charleston Gazette - June 1960
Auditor Edgar B. Sims Is Buried "By the Book"
By John G. Morgan, Staff Writer
At 2 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, the funeral service began.
The warm air in the church was stirred by five fans oscillating in front of six stained glass windows. Two more fans turned in the empty choir loft.
It was a setting that might have been approved by the man for whom the service was held - State Auditor Edgar B. Sims
He believed that his office should be opened and closed on Eastern Standard Time. His authority was the law as he interpreted it.
He believed that only fans should be used to combat the summer heat in his office. He contended that air conditioners were an unnecessary expense and a blight on the architectural grace of the State Capitol.
About 350 persons, including present and former state officials, attended the funeral service in the First Presbyterian Church, a large brick structure with white columns on Second Ave. in South Charleston.
Among them were Gov. Underwood and former Governors Okey L. Patterson and Homer A. Holt.
Listed as honorary pallbearers were members of the Board of Public Works, including Underwood; State School Supt. R. Virgil Rohrbough; Atty. Gen. W. W. Barren, the Democratic nominee for Governor; Treasurer Orel J. Skeen; Agriculture Commissioner John T. Johnson; and Secretary of State Joe F. Burdett.
Active pallbearers were John H. Kelly, Democratic nominee for state treasurer; Henry L. Ash, director of the Department of Finance and Administration; Milton S. Koslow. former cheif clerk in Sims' office; George Wilson Jr. of the Treasury Department; J. Howard Myers, State Senate clerk; Hugh N. Mills, Board of Public Works staff official; Denzil Gainer of the legislative auditor's office; and Giles Snyder, assistant attorney general.
Among those attending were Liz McGuire, Republican nominee for auditor and the man whom Underwood named earlier in the day as Sims' successor until the general election; Harold E. Neeley, Republican nominee for Governor; and Democratic State Chairman Hulett C. Smith.
Sims' career as an auditor extended over a period of more than 27 years. He was elected for seven four-year terms, probably more than any other official in West Virginia history. While still in his seventh term, the ailing 78-year-old official was nominated for an unprecedented eighth term in the May 10 primary.
Colorful, controversial and a cracker barrell philosopher, he held tightly to the state's purse strings and built a reputationas the "old watchdog of tha state treasury." He died Monday after an extended illness.
Mr. Wayne Smith, assistant minister of the First Presbyterian Church, read from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship to open the services. He followed with readings of the 90th, the 121st and the 23rd psalms.
Dr. Frank H. Ryburn, former pastor and the stated clerk of the Kanawha Presbytery, read selected verses from the 14th chapter of St. John, the eighth chapter of Romans and the 15th chapter of First Corinthians. He read Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar" and again from the Book of Common Worship.
The service was completed in about 20 minutes. About 40 cars took place in the procession to nearby Sunset Memorial Park.
At the graveside on the far western edge of the cemetery, Mr. Smith again read selected verses and Dr. Ryburn read the committal service, a prayer and benediction.
At 3:18 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, it was all over, done according to the book, as Sims might have approved. It was the end of an era.
---------------------------
AUDITOR EDGAR B. SIMS
PASSED AWAY MONDAY
Wirt County Journal
June 23, 1960
State Auditor Edgar B. Sims, 78, who held office longer than any other person in the history of the State, died on Monday, June 20 (West Virginia's 97th birthday) in Charleston Memorial Hospital, after an illness of more than three months.
A native of Roane County, he was born Jan. 29, 1882, a son of the late Benjamin and Susan Smith Sims. He attended Glenville and West Liberty State Colleges, and was graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. degree. He was a former Wirt Countian, and a school teacher, school superintendent, and traveling salesman, before he entered politics in 1932, when was was first elected State Auditor, a position he held until his death.
He was elected an unprecedented seven terms as Auditor, and even when bedfast this past May was nominated by the Democrats for an eighth term. During his long tenure of office he gained the title of the "Watchdog of the Treasury." This came about in particular by his most strict adherence to provision of the law which specifies "no money shall be drawn from the Treasury except for services rendered or goods or materials received." He prided himself in his accomplishments of enforcing this provision.
Edgar B. Sims, son of Benjamin J. and Susan Smith Sims, was born in Roane Co.; however, the family moved to Reedy District, Wirt County, in 1888. He was educated at Glenville and West Liberty Normal Schools and graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. degree. He taught school 14 years and was Superintendent of Schools at West Union for four years. He was also Superintendent of Schools in Wood County, West Virginia, from 1911 to 1915. He was elected State Auditor of West Virginia and served 7 consecutive terms and was still in office at the time of his death in 1960. He was the author of Making a State and the Sims Land Index of West Virginia. While serving as Auditor, he often was referred to as the "Watchdog of the Treasury" and considered a very honest and trustworthy official.
Charleston Gazette - June 1960
Auditor Edgar B. Sims Is Buried "By the Book"
By John G. Morgan, Staff Writer
At 2 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, the funeral service began.
The warm air in the church was stirred by five fans oscillating in front of six stained glass windows. Two more fans turned in the empty choir loft.
It was a setting that might have been approved by the man for whom the service was held - State Auditor Edgar B. Sims
He believed that his office should be opened and closed on Eastern Standard Time. His authority was the law as he interpreted it.
He believed that only fans should be used to combat the summer heat in his office. He contended that air conditioners were an unnecessary expense and a blight on the architectural grace of the State Capitol.
About 350 persons, including present and former state officials, attended the funeral service in the First Presbyterian Church, a large brick structure with white columns on Second Ave. in South Charleston.
Among them were Gov. Underwood and former Governors Okey L. Patterson and Homer A. Holt.
Listed as honorary pallbearers were members of the Board of Public Works, including Underwood; State School Supt. R. Virgil Rohrbough; Atty. Gen. W. W. Barren, the Democratic nominee for Governor; Treasurer Orel J. Skeen; Agriculture Commissioner John T. Johnson; and Secretary of State Joe F. Burdett.
Active pallbearers were John H. Kelly, Democratic nominee for state treasurer; Henry L. Ash, director of the Department of Finance and Administration; Milton S. Koslow. former cheif clerk in Sims' office; George Wilson Jr. of the Treasury Department; J. Howard Myers, State Senate clerk; Hugh N. Mills, Board of Public Works staff official; Denzil Gainer of the legislative auditor's office; and Giles Snyder, assistant attorney general.
Among those attending were Liz McGuire, Republican nominee for auditor and the man whom Underwood named earlier in the day as Sims' successor until the general election; Harold E. Neeley, Republican nominee for Governor; and Democratic State Chairman Hulett C. Smith.
Sims' career as an auditor extended over a period of more than 27 years. He was elected for seven four-year terms, probably more than any other official in West Virginia history. While still in his seventh term, the ailing 78-year-old official was nominated for an unprecedented eighth term in the May 10 primary.
Colorful, controversial and a cracker barrell philosopher, he held tightly to the state's purse strings and built a reputationas the "old watchdog of tha state treasury." He died Monday after an extended illness.
Mr. Wayne Smith, assistant minister of the First Presbyterian Church, read from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship to open the services. He followed with readings of the 90th, the 121st and the 23rd psalms.
Dr. Frank H. Ryburn, former pastor and the stated clerk of the Kanawha Presbytery, read selected verses from the 14th chapter of St. John, the eighth chapter of Romans and the 15th chapter of First Corinthians. He read Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar" and again from the Book of Common Worship.
The service was completed in about 20 minutes. About 40 cars took place in the procession to nearby Sunset Memorial Park.
At the graveside on the far western edge of the cemetery, Mr. Smith again read selected verses and Dr. Ryburn read the committal service, a prayer and benediction.
At 3:18 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, it was all over, done according to the book, as Sims might have approved. It was the end of an era.
---------------------------
AUDITOR EDGAR B. SIMS
PASSED AWAY MONDAY
Wirt County Journal
June 23, 1960
State Auditor Edgar B. Sims, 78, who held office longer than any other person in the history of the State, died on Monday, June 20 (West Virginia's 97th birthday) in Charleston Memorial Hospital, after an illness of more than three months.
A native of Roane County, he was born Jan. 29, 1882, a son of the late Benjamin and Susan Smith Sims. He attended Glenville and West Liberty State Colleges, and was graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. degree. He was a former Wirt Countian, and a school teacher, school superintendent, and traveling salesman, before he entered politics in 1932, when was was first elected State Auditor, a position he held until his death.
He was elected an unprecedented seven terms as Auditor, and even when bedfast this past May was nominated by the Democrats for an eighth term. During his long tenure of office he gained the title of the "Watchdog of the Treasury." This came about in particular by his most strict adherence to provision of the law which specifies "no money shall be drawn from the Treasury except for services rendered or goods or materials received." He prided himself in his accomplishments of enforcing this provision.
Charleston Gazette - June 1960
Auditor Edgar B. Sims Is Buried "By the Book"
By John G. Morgan, Staff Writer
At 2 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, the funeral service began.
The warm air in the church was stirred by five fans oscillating in front of six stained glass windows. Two more fans turned in the empty choir loft.
It was a setting that might have been approved by the man for whom the service was held - State Auditor Edgar B. Sims
He believed that his office should be opened and closed on Eastern Standard Time. His authority was the law as he interpreted it.
He believed that only fans should be used to combat the summer heat in his office. He contended that air conditioners were an unnecessary expense and a blight on the architectural grace of the State Capitol.
About 350 persons, including present and former state officials, attended the funeral service in the First Presbyterian Church, a large brick structure with white columns on Second Ave. in South Charleston.
Among them were Gov. Underwood and former Governors Okey L. Patterson and Homer A. Holt.
Listed as honorary pallbearers were members of the Board of Public Works, including Underwood; State School Supt. R. Virgil Rohrbough; Atty. Gen. W. W. Barren, the Democratic nominee for Governor; Treasurer Orel J. Skeen; Agriculture Commissioner John T. Johnson; and Secretary of State Joe F. Burdett.
Active pallbearers were John H. Kelly, Democratic nominee for state treasurer; Henry L. Ash, director of the Department of Finance and Administration; Milton S. Koslow. former cheif clerk in Sims' office; George Wilson Jr. of the Treasury Department; J. Howard Myers, State Senate clerk; Hugh N. Mills, Board of Public Works staff official; Denzil Gainer of the legislative auditor's office; and Giles Snyder, assistant attorney general.
Among those attending were Liz McGuire, Republican nominee for auditor and the man whom Underwood named earlier in the day as Sims' successor until the general election; Harold E. Neeley, Republican nominee for Governor; and Democratic State Chairman Hulett C. Smith.
Sims' career as an auditor extended over a period of more than 27 years. He was elected for seven four-year terms, probably more than any other official in West Virginia history. While still in his seventh term, the ailing 78-year-old official was nominated for an unprecedented eighth term in the May 10 primary.
Colorful, controversial and a cracker barrell philosopher, he held tightly to the state's purse strings and built a reputationas the "old watchdog of tha state treasury." He died Monday after an extended illness.
Mr. Wayne Smith, assistant minister of the First Presbyterian Church, read from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship to open the services. He followed with readings of the 90th, the 121st and the 23rd psalms.
Dr. Frank H. Ryburn, former pastor and the stated clerk of the Kanawha Presbytery, read selected verses from the 14th chapter of St. John, the eighth chapter of Romans and the 15th chapter of First Corinthians. He read Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar" and again from the Book of Common Worship.
The service was completed in about 20 minutes. About 40 cars took place in the procession to nearby Sunset Memorial Park.
At the graveside on the far western edge of the cemetery, Mr. Smith again read selected verses and Dr. Ryburn read the committal service, a prayer and benediction.
At 3:18 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, it was all over, done according to the book, as Sims might have approved. It was the end of an era.
---------------------------
AUDITOR EDGAR B. SIMS
PASSED AWAY MONDAY
Wirt County Journal
June 23, 1960
State Auditor Edgar B. Sims, 78, who held office longer than any other person in the history of the State, died on Monday, June 20 (West Virginia's 97th birthday) in Charleston Memorial Hospital, after an illness of more than three months.
A native of Roane County, he was born Jan. 29, 1882, a son of the late Benjamin and Susan Smith Sims. He attended Glenville and West Liberty State Colleges, and was graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. degree. He was a former Wirt Countian, and a school teacher, school superintendent, and traveling salesman, before he entered politics in 1932, when was was first elected State Auditor, a position he held until his death.
He was elected an unprecedented seven terms as Auditor, and even when bedfast this past May was nominated by the Democrats for an eighth term. During his long tenure of office he gained the title of the "Watchdog of the Treasury." This came about in particular by his most strict adherence to provision of the law which specifies "no money shall be drawn from the Treasury except for services rendered or goods or materials received." He prided himself in his accomplishments of enforcing this provision.
Family Members
Siblings
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Orville "Lee" Sims
1883–1926
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Emma Lovernia Sims
1886–1958
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Camden Arthur Sims
1888–1966
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Agnes Viola Sims
1890–1928
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George "Burdette" Sims
1892–1916
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Charles Robert "Charley" Sims
1894–1971
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Samuel "Tilden" Sims
1896–1900
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Benjamin Brooks "Brooks" Sims
1898–1976
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Virgil Smith Sims
1900–1901
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Jonathan "Bruce" Sims
1902–1988
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Mazie Willa Sims Cochran
1908–1998
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