Donald Campbell (Texas politician) facts for kids
Donald Campbell (born March 25, 1830 – died November 6, 1871) was an important politician in Texas. He served as the Lieutenant Governor of Texas and was also a member of the Texas Senate. He was part of the Radical Republican political group.
Early Life and Work
Donald Campbell was born on March 25, 1830, in Alabama. He went to Knoxville College in Tennessee and finished his studies in 1849.
In 1858, he moved to Jefferson, Texas in Marion County. There, he worked as a druggist, which means he prepared and sold medicines. He also worked as an insurance agent, helping people get insurance. By 1865, he was married and had three children. He owned a successful property, including 125 acres of farmland. Around 1866, he started working for the United States Internal Revenue Service, which collects taxes for the government. Many people knew him by his nickname, "Don."
Campbell passed away in Austin, Texas, on November 6, 1871. He was buried at the Texas State Cemetery.
Becoming a Politician
Donald Campbell was a strong supporter of the Union during the American Civil War. Because of his beliefs, he became an important political figure during the Reconstruction era. This was a time after the Civil War when the Southern states were rebuilt and rejoined the United States.
In 1868, the government removed many officials in Marion County because they were seen as disloyal. Campbell was then chosen to be the Chief Justice of Marion County. This meant he was the main judge in the county. Later, he was elected to be a representative at a special meeting in 1868 and 1869. This meeting was held to write a new constitution for Texas.
Because Campbell worked closely with the military government, some people in Marion County became suspicious of him in 1868. He was briefly arrested and held by local authorities. They thought he might have lied about his loyalty to the Union. However, District Judge Colbert Caldwell quickly ruled that Campbell had not committed any crime and ordered his release.
