William A. CAMPBELL, on of the enterprising farmers of Liberty Township, residing on section 22, is a native of Ireland, born near Colerain, March 16, 1830, a son of Alexander and Jane (CROW) CAMPBELL, who were both natives of Scotland. Our subject remained in his native country till nineteen years of age, when he embarked on a sailing vessel at Liverpool, England, and after a stormy voyage of three weeks landed at New York. He proceeded at once to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his parents resided, they having come to America some four years before.

William A. CAMPBELL found employment in a chemical factory in that city, where he was engaged in the manufacture of acids for seven years.

He was married in 1850 to Miss Mary A. SAMPLE, a native of Ireland, but at the time of her marriage living in Philadelphia. They are the parents of eight children - Ella H., wife of James BROWNLEE, now living in Texas; Hessie J., married Robert N. WILSON, now living in Kansas; Alexander, mining in Montana, near Helena; James S., in Dakota; Victoria S., wife of A. B. HERRION, of Ringgold County, Iowa; Sarah L., a teacher; and Joseph D. and Ollie, living at home.

In August, 1856, Mr. CAMPBELL removed with his family to Monroe County, Indiana, where he bought a farm, and a steam flour and saw-mill, and there followed farming and milling until the fall of 1874, when he came to Ringgold County, Iowa, locating on section 16, Liberty Township, where he remained till 1882. He then settled on his present farm of 160 acres, which he has converted from raw prairie land into a well cultivated farm, and has a neat and substantial residence, and good farm buildings. In connection with his general farming he is raising cattle and horses, the latter being of the Norman breed.

Although Mr. CAMPBELL has met with heavy losses through life - he having had his fine residence and mill in Indiana destroyed by fire, by which he lost some $12,000, and at another time losing $3,000 by going security for a party - he has by his persevering energy and untiring industry accumulated a competency for his declining years, and by his strict and honorable dealings has gained the confidence and good will of all who know him.

Mr. CAMPBELL has been elected to fill township offices but has refused to qualify. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian church, of which he served as elder while living in Indiana.

NOTE: William A. CAMPBELL died on November 28, 1918. Mary A. (SAMPLE) CAMPBELL was born August 12, 1827, and died November 30, 1888. William and Mary were interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 365, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009

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