Campbell Slemp facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Campbell Slemp Sr.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 9th district
In office March 4, 1903 – October 13, 1907
Preceded by	William F. Rhea
Succeeded by	C. Bascom Slemp
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Lee County, Virginia
In office December 3, 1879 – December 4, 1883
Preceded by	Lee S. Fulkerson
Succeeded by	John B. McLin
Personal details
Born	December 2, 1839 Turkey Cove, Lee County, Virginia
Died	October 13, 1907 (aged 67) Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Virginia
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Nancy B. Slemp
Children	3 sons including C. Bascom Slemp, 3 daughters
Alma mater	Emory and Henry College
Profession	farmer, politician
Military service
Allegiance	Virginia  Confederate States
Branch/service	Virginia Militia  Confederate States Army
Rank	Colonel (CSA)
Commands	21st Virginia Infantry Battalion 64th Virginia Infantry
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Middle Creek

Campbell Slemp (born December 2, 1839 – died October 13, 1907) was an important figure in Virginia politics. He was a farmer and a soldier for the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a politician.

Slemp first joined the Readjuster Party, a group that wanted to change how Virginia's state debt was handled. Later, he became a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives for Virginia's 9th congressional district. He served in Congress from 1903 until he passed away in 1907. His son, C. Bascom Slemp, then took over his seat in Congress.

Early Life and Family

Campbell Slemp was born on December 2, 1839, in a place called Turkey Cove in Lee County, Virginia. His family was well-known in the area. His father was Sebastian Smyth Slemp, and his mother was Margaret Reasor.

He had an older brother, Henderson Clinton Slemp, and two older sisters. Campbell Slemp went to Emory and Henry College in Virginia. He left college in 1859 when his father died. Before the Civil War, he worked as a farmer and managed land investments.

In 1861, Campbell Slemp married Nancy Brittain Cawood, who was often called "Namie." Her family had a history of fighting for America, with ancestors in the American Revolutionary War. Campbell and Nancy had six children: three sons and three daughters. One of their sons, C. Bascom Slemp, would later follow in his father's footsteps in politics.

Military Service in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Campbell Slemp joined the Confederate States Army. He became an officer in the 21st Virginia Infantry Battalion. This unit later became part of the 64th Virginia Mounted Infantry. Slemp quickly moved up in rank, becoming a captain, then a lieutenant colonel, and finally a colonel by December 1862.

His unit's main job was to protect the border areas between Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. They guarded important places like the Cumberland Gap. This mountain pass was very important because it controlled access to valuable resources like lead mines and salt works. Many battles and struggles happened around the Cumberland Gap.

Union (Northern) generals like George H. Thomas and William T. Sherman tried to take control of the Cumberland Gap. At another place called Pound Gap, Slemp's Confederate troops faced Union Colonel James Garfield, who later became president. Garfield's forces made the Confederates retreat.

In September 1863, the Cumberland Gap was surrendered by Confederate General John W. Frazer to Union forces. However, Colonel Slemp and Major McDowell managed to escape with many of their soldiers. They also helped about 400 other Confederates get away safely.

Later, in November 1863, Colonel Slemp faced a military court hearing. He was removed from his command and dismissed from the army. This was related to an incident involving captured wagons. Despite this, Slemp remained loyal to the Confederacy. He surrendered after General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in May 1865.

Political Career

After the Civil War ended, Campbell Slemp received a pardon. He went back to farming and soon became involved in politics. He joined the Readjuster Party, which was led by former Confederate General William Mahone. This party focused on changing Virginia's state debt.

Campbell Slemp's older brother, Henry C. Slemp, had already served in the Virginia Senate. In 1879, Campbell Slemp was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, which is part of Virginia's state legislature. He served two terms there.

Although he was a Democrat at first, Slemp, like Mahone, became a leader in the Virginia Republican Party. He ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1889 but lost. However, he later served as a Presidential elector for Presidents Harrison and McKinley.

In 1903, the people of Virginia's 9th congressional district elected Campbell Slemp to the United States House of Representatives. This district was known as the "Fighting Ninth" because its elections were often very close. Slemp defeated the Democrat William F. Rhea.

As a Congressman, Slemp had a lot of influence. President Theodore Roosevelt, who was also a Republican, allowed Slemp to control federal jobs and appointments in Virginia. Slemp was re-elected twice, showing his popularity in the district. During his time in Congress, the Norfolk and Western Railway and textile factories grew in his district, bringing more jobs and development.

Death and Legacy

Campbell Slemp passed away unexpectedly at his home in Big Stone Gap, Virginia on October 13, 1907. He was buried in the family cemetery in Lee County, Virginia.

After his death, his son, C. Bascom Slemp, was chosen to take his place in Congress. The younger Slemp served as a U.S. Representative for the 9th District of Virginia from 1907 to 1922. He also helped create the Slemp Foundation and the Southwest Virginia Museum, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

Images for kids

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  A symbol of a Confederate Colonel's rank.