Richard L. Campbell

CAMPBELL, FINECY, HYNDMAN, MCFARLAND, MYERS

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/10/2011 at 14:57:06

RICHARD L. CAMPBELL, who owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land on section 9, Lincoln Township, Grundy County, is one of the worthy citizens that Canada has furnished to this community. The record of his life is as follows: He was born in Ontario in 1848, and is a son of Andrew and Bridget (Finecy) Campbell. The former was born in Ireland, as were his parents, but the family was originally of Scotch origin. He was reared on a farm near Balmona, and his people were well-to-do. In the common schools, he acquired a good education, and continued with his parents until he had arrived at man’s estate, when he crossed the briny deep to Canada, locating on Government land in the province of Ontario. He secured one hundred acres, and in the midst of the dense forest hewed out a farm. Later, the grandfather of our subject made his way to Canada, and there spent his remaining days.

Andrew Campbell developed a highly improved farm, extended its boundaries until it comprised three hundred acres, and continued there to live for thirty years. He was married in that country to the daughter of John and Margaret Finecy, and unto them were born ten children, seven now living: Margaret, wife of Robert Hyndman; Richard; Melinda, wife of Charles McFarland; Grace, Mattie, James and Edward. In 1857, Andrew Campbell, accompanied by his family, removed to Ogle County, Ill., where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. In 1869, he came to Grundy County, and bought three hundred acres of wild land near Parkersburg, but this farm he afterward sold, returning to Illinois, where he made his home until his death in 1891. His wife passed away about 1885. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and were people of sterling worth, who won the high regard of all with whom they were brought in contact.

In taking up the personal history of Richard Campbell, we present to our readers the life record of one of the leading citizens of Grundy County. His first nine years were passed in Canada, and he then accompanied his parents to Illinois, and with them came to Iowa. His education was acquired in the public schools, and throughout his business career he has followed the pursuit with which he became familiar in his youth. His first purchase of land comprised one hundred and sixty acres. It was only partially improved, and with characteristic energy he turned his attention to its further development. He afterward added to it a tract of eighty acres. He has recently sold this farm and purchased another of two hundred and twenty acres near Parkersburg, to which he will soon remove.

In Illinois was celebrated the marriage of Richard Campbell and Miss Mary Myers. By their union has been born a family of seven children, namely: Andrew, Grace, Charles, Sarah, Edith, Arthur and Belinda. The first two have been students in Grundy Centre, and both possess considerable musical talent. The family is one well and favorably known in this community, its members rank high in social circles, and the household is noted for its hospitality. The parents are both faithful members of the Baptist Church of Grundy Centre. In politics, Mr. Campbell is a supporter of Republican principles, for four years has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and for four years has been Township Trustee, his re-election being due to faithful and able service.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894