CAMPBELL, John Parker - 1890 Bio (1843-1925)

CAMPBELL, HANSHAW, FENDER, JORDAN, LINDSEY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 7/29/2007 at 20:28:29

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 652-654

John P. CAMPBELL, one of the prominent farmers of Des Moines Township, Jefferson County, residing on section 34, was born in Fayette County, Pa., in 1843, his parents being James and Rebecca (HANSHAW) CAMPBELL, both of whom were also natives of Fayette County. By occupation his father was a farmer and followed that business throughout his entire life. Coming to Van Buren County, Iowa, in 1855, he purchased two hundred and forty acres of partially improved land and made his home upon that farm until his death, which occurred in 1872. His wife survived him a number of years and died at the home of our subject in 1885. Mr. CAMPBELL was a quiet and unassuming, yet valued citizen who conscientiously discharged every duty devolving upon him and aided in the growth and upbuilding of the county's best interests. He took little part in political affairs, casting his vote first with the Whig party and then with the Republican party. The children born of his union with Rebecca HANSHAW were A. E., now Mrs. FENDER, of Cedar Township, Van Buren County; E. B., who is married and engaged in farming in Cedar Township; Lewis, who is married and resides in Harrisburg Township, Van Buren County.

The fourth and youngest member of this family is John P. CAMPBELL, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. His early boyhood days were spent in his native State where he began his education, but at the age of twelve years, he accompanied his parents to Van Buren County, Iowa, and in the community his school life was ended. The advantages here afforded were not very extensive in character but subsequent reading and experience have made him a well informed man. In 1863, when twenty years of age, he enlisted at Birmingham in Company C, of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, for three years service or during the remainder of the war. After being mustered in at Davenport, the regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and participated in Hood's campaign under Gen. Thomas. In 1865, Mr. CAMPBELL was under the command of Gen. Wilson and took part in what as known as Wilson's cavalry raid. He belonged to what is known as the lost brigade and at the close of the war, in August, 1865, received his discharge in Clinton, Iowa.

Returning to Van Buren County, Mr. CAMPBELL embarked in farming for himself and having made a start, he completed his arrangements for a home by his union with Miss Naomi JORDAN. The marriage was celebrated in Henry County, in 1867, after which the lady was at once installed as mistress of the new home. She is a native of Fayette County, Pa., and a daughter of Roger and Sarah Ann (LINDSEY) JORDAN. Her father was a native of Maine, but in Pennsylvania became acquainted with and married Miss LINDSEY, who was born in Maryland. In 1856, they came to Van Buren County, locating in Cedar Township, but after a year they removed to Hillsboro, Henry County, where Mr. JORDAN engaged in merchandising until his death, which occurred December 19, 1873. His wife survived him until November, 1887, when she too was called home. He was an earnest worker in the Republican party, an influential advocate of its principles and both he and his wife were members of the Free Will Baptist Church. They had been residents of this section of Iowa, for many years and were numbered among its highly respected citizens.

From 1867 until 1874, Mr. CAMPBELL carried on farming operations in Van Buren County, but in the latter year, he removed to Liberty Township, Jefferson County, which continued to be his home for fifteen years. Only since 1889, has he made his home in Des Moines Township, but in the few months which have since elapsed he as made many excellent improvements and now has a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has witnessed almost the entire growth of Van Buren and Jefferson Counties and has identified himself with its best interests. His memory goes back to the days when Keokuk was their market and when the country round about was so sparsely settled that one might ride long distances without meeting a single individual. His father, in that early day, was the owner of the only story and a half house in this section which throughout the surrounding country was known as the "high house." Great changes have taken place, transforming Southeastern Iowa into one of the richest and best portions of the State. It might be claimed as an honor to be a witness of this growth but to be a participant in the wonderful development and upbuilding, is a favor not shown to every one, but among the latter class may be enrolled Mr. CAMPBELL. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican and an influential delegate of the county conventions. He labors for the success of the party as he wishes its principles to become laws and not for any pecuniary benefit which he might receive as an office-holder, for he has never sought or desired public preferment.

Mr. and Mrs. CAMPBELL hold membership in the Mission Baptist Church of Fairfield. They are parents of eight children -- Lucy Iowa, Orris C., Anna J., Alta B., Lu Ethel, Harry, Arthur S. and James Harrison. As one of the representative families of the county, whose members are worthy the high regard tendered them, the CAMPBELLs deserve representation in this volume and we therefore record this sketch.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.