My Genealogy Hound

JACOB CAMPBELL, whose home is in Bingen, in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, valiantly fought and suffered while defending the Stars and Stripes in the War of the Rebellion, and on this account, as well as owing to his worthy characteristics as a man and citizen, holds a warm place in the hearts of his neighbors and fellow-citizens.

The birth of our subject occurred in Springfield Township, Bucks County, December 8, 1840. His paternal ancestors came from Scotland, his grandfather settling in New Jersey, and later removing to Bucks County, where he passed the remainder of Ms life, and on his demise was buried in Springfield Cemetery. In order to obtain a livelihood, he followed the calling of a shoemaker, and was an industrious and upright man. Politically he was an old-line Whig; in the work of the Lutheran Church he was very active. He married Barbara Ann Ohl, and to them were born twelve children. Only two of this family yet survive, namely: Mrs. Transue, of New Jersey, and Peter O., who is a resident of Milton, Northumberland County.

Our subject’s father, Andrew Campbell, was born on the old homestead in Springfield Township, June 27, 1796, and died October 24, 1872. He followed the trade of his father, and in conjunction with it carried on a farm. He married Magdalena, a daughter of John Hollocher, of Montgomery County, by whom he had four sons and six daughters. Two of the number are deceased, namely: William J. and Henry. Aaron married Hannah Stover, and is a shoemaker by trade; Jacob is the next in order of birth; Susan became the wife of Oliver Neald, a cabinet-maker, carpenter and builder; Hannah is the widow of Silas P. Appel, who was a miller; Elizabeth wedded William L. Tranger, a farmer of Springfield Township, Bucks County; Mary married Joseph Hixon, a molder by trade, formerly of Catasauqua, Lehigh County, but now deceased; Catherine is Mrs. John Bitts, of Bingen, Pa.; and Matilda, Mrs. Reuben Hess, makes her home near Hellertown. Andrew Campbell was a Republican in politics, and greatly interested in the welfare of his community. In religious belief he was a Lutheran, and a pillar in his church.

Jacob Campbell received a common-school education in the neighborhood of his home, and then, in order to further equip himself for life’s work, took a course in the Reading Business College. Afterward he secured a position as a clerk and bookkeeper in the store of Yeager & Clauser, at Bingen, Pa. With these gentlemen he remained for three years, and after the dissolution of the firm engaged in the employ of William R. Yeager for a period of seven years. In 1880 he embarked in business for himself, and has made a success of his undertakings. He carries a well selected stock of general merchandise, has a large country trade, and merits the patronage he receives. In addition to this business, he is a dealer in coal, and interested in a creamery, the product of which finds a ready market in Philadelphia and Bethlehem.

In political affairs Mr. Campbell takes an intelligent interest, and served efficiently as Postmaster of Bingen from June 28, 1871, to August 31, 1886. In educational matters and everything relating to the good of the community in which he dwells he manifests commendable interest, and is conscientious in the discharge of all duties and trusts reposed in him. January 4, 1863, he offered his services in the Union cause, and was assigned to Company L, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Colonel Gibson commanding officer. He was first stationed at Ft. Lincoln, in the District of Columbia, thence went to Ft. Ethan Allen, in Virginia, and from there was sent to the front. He took part in the engagement at Cold Harbor, and in all those in which the Eighteenth Army Corps, under General Ord, participated. September 29, 1864, he was severely wounded in the battle of Chapin’s Farm, Va., with the result that his leg had to be amputated. For a number of weeks he languished in the hospital at Ft. Monroe, Va., and then was sent on to Philadelphia and Chester, Pa., receiving his final discharge from the service June 11, 1865. He is a member of Robert Oldham Post No. 527, G. A. R., at South Bethlehem. January 3, 1873, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage with Amelia C. Weiss, who has been a faithful and devoted helpmate to her husband. She is a daughter of Peter Weiss, a well known early resident of Lower Saucon Township.