CAMPBELL, James C.

CAMPBELL, COOVER, PARIS, BEAVERS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/25/2014 at 04:31:43

History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People
Illustrated, Volumne II.

Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith
Supervising Editors

The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. pp. 229-31. Chicago. 1915.

James C. Campbell

Two hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Eden township pays tribute to its owner, James C. Campbell, and the excellent condition of everything upon the farm testifies to his industry and good management. He is a native son of this county, born in Center township August 12, 1862. His parents, Closson and Marietta (Coover) Campbell, were both natives of Ohio, where the father farmed until 1862, when he removed to Decatur county, Iowa, and rented a farm in Center township, which he operated for eight years. At the end of that time he purchased forty acres of land in Eden township, which he cultivated until the fall of 1914, when he retired from active life. He has since made his home with his children. He is now eighty-three years old and the period of leisure which he is enjoying is well deserved. His wife died May 9, 1915, at the age of seventy-eight years. To them were born five children, namely: Sarah, Mary, Samuel, James C. and William C.

James C. Campbell was reared and educated in Center and Eden townships, this county, and continued to reside at home, assisting his father with the farm work, until he was thirty-two years of age. He then began his independent business career and for five years farmed rented land. At the end of that time he had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase one hundred and twenty acres in Center township. However, after operating that place for two years he sold it and bought one hundred and thirty acres in Decatur township, which he operated for a similar period of time. He then sold that property also and bought two hundred and sixty acres on sections 16 and 21, Eden township, which he still owns. He at once began improving his place and has brought it to a high state of development. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and finds both branches of his business profitable.

On the 3d of March, 1895, Mr. Campbell married Miss Cora Paris, a daughter of William H. and Maria (Beavers) Paris. Her paternal grandfather, James Paris, was one of the earliest settlers of High Point township and entered land there from the government. Subsequently he operated a general store in the town of Paris, which was so named in his honor but which is now known as High Point. He was also for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. William H. Paris were both natives of Ohio, but in the late '40s or early '50s he came to Decatur county, Iowa, with his parents. He was educated in this county and remained at home until the out-break of the Civil war, when he went to Illinois and enlisted in Company L, Second Illinois Cavalry, with which he served for four years, making a record of which he had every reason to be proud. When peace was restored he returned to Decatur county, Iowa, and purchased land in High Point township, which he operated until called by death in April, 1897, when fifty-six years old. His wife died in May, 1907, when sixty-one years of age. They were the parents of five children: Mrs. Campbell, Etta, Mamie, Lydia and William R. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have three children, as follows: Grace, Marie and Jennie.

Mr. Campbell is a republican and keeps well informed on all issues before the public. He is especially interested in the welfare of the public schools and has served for several years as school director. Fraternally he belongs to the Homestead Lodge and his religious faith is that of the Church of Christ. His progressiveness, enterprise and integrity have gained him the unqualified respect of all who have been brought in contact with him and there are many who value highly his friendship.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2014