My Genealogy Hound

JAMES B. McCAMPBELL, a highly respected and substantial resident of Pettis County, located on his present farm seventeen years ago. It comprises eighty acres, located on section 14, township 44, range 23. Mr. McCampbell was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1843, and was the youngest member of the family of seven children born to Andrew and Elizabeth (Kessling) McCampbell.

The father of our subject was born in Virginia, and was there reared and educated, remaining at home until attaining his majority. When ready to begin in life for himself, he bade good-bye to his relatives and friends and went to Ohio, where he learned the trade of a millwright. This he found to be a profitable business and followed it until his decease, in 1869. He invested the money which he thus earned in farming land, and while his work often took him into the surrounding towns and cities, his family made their home in the country.

Mrs. Elizabeth McCampbell was born in Pennsylvania and departed this life in 1848, when James was a lad of five years. His education was obtained in the schools of the district, but even these he was permitted to attend only a short time each year, as his services were needed on the farm, and as soon as he was of sufficient age to be useful he was obliged to give it his entire attention.

In 1856 our subject went to Illinois and was there living when the call was issued by Lincoln for volunteers to put down the Rebellion. He was at that time less than eighteen years old, but on offering his services they were accepted and he was mustered in at Springfield, September 3, 1861, becoming a member of Company B, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry. He was in active service for more than four years, during which time he participated in many of the engagements in which his gallant regiment took part. He passed through many adventures while at the front without receiving an injury or being taken prisoner. After taking part in all the prominent battles of the Southwest campaign, he was mustered out at Springfield, in December, 1865. He then returned to his Illinois home, where he was engaged in farming until 1870, the year he came to Missouri, and settled in Pettis County, on an estate adjoining the one which he occupies at the present time. He is a thorough agriculturist, and the eighty-acre tract which he owns has been developed by his energy and skill. He is greatly honored and respected in his community as one of its oldest residents.

James B. McCampbell and Miss Maaura Wadleigh were united in marriage in March, 1867. The lady is the daughter of Daniel and Lucinda (Libby) Wadleigh, natives of New Hampshire, in which state Mrs. McCampbell was also born. Her union with our subject has resulted in the birth of four sons and one daughter. Those living are: Harrison, who married Miss Cora Wilkerson, and makes his home in this county; Randolph, Roy and Dency. Charles E. is deceased. Mr. McCampbell is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. As an old soldier, he meets with the veterans belonging to E. D. Baker Post No. 68, at Green Ridge. He is a true-blue Republican in politics, and has an abiding faith in the purity of that party’s teachings. A public-spirited man, he takes a deep interest in the welfare and growth of the community, and is ever ready to assist in any movement for the betterment and upbuilding of his home locality.