In 1891, Thomas and Mary Simpson were living at 49 Mount Street, Devonport, with an adopted son called John Hillyer/Hellyer, the son of John Gale Hellier and Mary Ann Burgoyne. John and Mary Hellier had also previously lived at Mount Street. Thomas Simpson was a naval pensioner and perhaps a friend of John's father who was also in the Royal Navy. Sadly, the boy died at the age of 9 years.