Alfred J. Campbell

As printed in 1888

LFRED J. CAMPBELL is among the 01 oldest and best known citizens of Henry County'. He was born in Sussex County, Del., April 2, 1816, and is a son of Robert and Hannah (Hazard) Campbell, both natives of the same State, where their whole lives were passed. They were the parents of four sons and three daughters who grew up. Besides the subject of this sketch, one other member of this family is now living, a brother, John S., who is now in his seventy-seventh year and is a resident of Passadena, Cal. Both of his parents died when Alfred J. was six years old, and he went to live with older brothers and sisters. He received such education as the schools of that day afforded, and was reared on a farm until he was fourteen years old, when he came West with an older brother, William H., who kept a general store at Shelby ville, Ind. He was in his brother's employ for eight years, when he began on his own account in the same town. Two years later he began trading in the South, and sometimes clerking, usually spending the summers in the North.

On the breaking out of the Mexican War, Mr. Campbell enlisted in the 3d Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. Sullivan, their Colonel being the afterward celebrated Gen. James H. Lane, of Kansas border war fame. He participated in the battle of Bueiia Vista, fought by Gen. Taylor against tremendous odds, and which was one of the most brilliant victories of that war. On his return to peaceful pursuits he again settled in Shelby County,

Ind. Mr. Campbell was married in September, 183; at Dayton, Oliio, to Miss Mary Sullivan, who died in July, 1848. The fruit of this union was one child who died in infancy. In Seiitember, 1849, Mr. Campbell was married to Mrs. Prudence Lockhart, widow of Benjamin Lockhart, of Ripley County, Ind., who died July 1.5, 1848. This couple had no children.

In 1853 Mr. and INIrs. Campbell emigrated to Iowa, settling on a farm in Henry County, on which he lived for twenty- years, and on which, by the aid of his industrious and thrifty habits and good judgment, he accumulated a competence. In 1873 he retired from active life on the farm and removed to his present home in Mt. Pleasant. In earljlife Mr. Campbell acted with the Democratic party, but on the breaking out of the Rebellion joined the ranks of the Republicans with whom he has ever since affiliated. In his religious views he is a believe in Christianity and a liberal supporter of churches, but not a member of any denomination. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. A man of sound judgment, well informed as to public matters, and of undoubted probity of character, Mr. Campbell commands the respect of his fellowmen.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Henry County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biog (1888). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.