Campbell, Willis

CAMPBELL, LEEPER, KELLY, WORDEN

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/21/2009 at 11:55:50

Campbell, Willis

Among the substantial men whose labor and influence gave impetus to the agricultural interests and general material improvements of Jasper County in years gone by and who today occupies a high place in the esteem of the community in which he lives is the worthy gentleman whose name introduces this article.

Willis Campbell was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, January 22, 1854. He is the son of John and Sarah (Leeper) Campbell, both natives of the same locality in which the subject was born, the father's birth occurring in 1820 and the mother's in 1822, and there they grew up, were educated in the pioneer schools and were married. John Campbell devoted his life to farming, at one time owning one hundred and sixty acres. He was a soldier in Company I, Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted in 1861, and he died of the fever just after the siege of Vicksburg on August 28, 1863. He proved to be a gallant and splendid soldier. He enlisted as a private, and for meritorious services he rose to the rank of adjutant-general. His family consisted of six sons and one daughter, namely: James, Alexander, Thomas (deceased), Willis (of this sketch), Colin, Mrs. Jessie Kelly, and George.

Willis Campbell attended school in Ohio and after his father's death, or in 1865, he moved to Iowa County, Iowa, with his mother and the rest of the family, driving through with wagon and team. In 1867 the whole family came to Jasper County, locating in Sherman Township. In 1869 they bought a farm for the mother, and the boys all remained at home and worked the place, until the death of the mother in 1875. In 1872 Willis Campbell bought eighty acres in Mound Prairie Township. He has prospered through good management and close application until he now owns about nine hundred acres of choice and valuable land, all in Mound Prairie Township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, in fact, is known as one of the County's most progressive and substantial agriculturists. He keeps his land under modern improvements in every way and his fields are scientifically farmed so that maximum results are obtained. He has a commodious and attractive home and convenient outbuildings, everything about his place denoting thrift, system, good taste and wise foresight. Mr. Campbell is one of the most extensive feeders in this section of the state, often feeding five hundred head annually, and owing to the high-grade stock he handles he always finds a very ready market for all he offers for sale. He is regarded as one of the best judges of cattle in the County. Mr. Campbell is a Republican and while he takes a good citizen's interest in all public matters, he has never sought office.

In January 1894, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage with Selina A. Worden, a native of Lynn County, Iowa, and the daughter of Joseph Worden, a prominent citizen there. One winsome daughter, an only child, has graced the home of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, whom they named Gertrude.

Willis Campbell's career is one that should be held up as a model for the young men whose destinies are yet matters for the future. It shows what determination, rightly directed ambition and honesty can accomplish even in the face of opposition. He never lets the grass grow under his feet, but is one of the most energetic, hardworking and straightforward men in the County. Early in the morning and late in the evening he may be seen attending to something on his broad acres, whose management he always has well in hand, careful of every detail. He started out a poor boy and has, without assistance or influence of others, risen to a position of affluence and independence, and every dollar in his possession has been honestly earned. He has been a keen observer and a close student of progressive farming. He has been on the same farm on which he still resides for a period of forty years, longer than most farmers in Jasper County to spend on anyone farm. He has lived to see this locality change from a wild prairie to one of the best agricultural sections in Iowa, arid he has taken a conspicuous part in this transformation.

Near his modern home still stands the little old-fashioned frame building that was here when he came. The contrast is most noticeable. He is a man whose word is regarded as good as a bond and his credit and security is not questioned at any of the local banks, his business being so extensive that his signature is known by all. Personally, he is a congenial, unassuming, likeable gentleman, whom to know is to honor and admire. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 1120.