John Allen Campbell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Allen Campbell
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| Born | October 8, 1835 Salem, Ohio |
| Died | July 14, 1880 (aged 44) Washington, D.C. |
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| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866, 1867–1869 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Allen Campbell (born October 8, 1835 – died July 14, 1880) was an important American politician and army officer. He is best known as the very first Governor of the Wyoming Territory.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
John Campbell was born in Salem, Ohio. He went to public schools there. When he was young, he even attended a special meeting in 1850 called the Ohio Women's Rights Convention. This meeting was about giving women more rights.
In 1861, John Campbell joined the Union Army during the American Civil War. He worked as a writer, helping to share important news. Later, he became a special assistant to Major General John M. Schofield. He started as a lieutenant and worked his way up to lieutenant colonel.
After the war, in 1866, President Andrew Johnson honored Campbell. He was given the special rank of brevet brigadier general. This means it was an honorary rank, recognizing his brave service.
Family Life
John Campbell married Isabella Wunderly on February 1, 1872. Isabella was the daughter of Benjamin and Rachel Wunderly.
Sadly, John Campbell died just eight years later. Isabella never married again. She passed away on September 23, 1923, in Washington D.C. Both John and Isabella Campbell are buried together at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Political Career and Achievements
After the Civil War, John Campbell continued to work with Major General Schofield. This was during a time called the Reconstruction Period. During this time, he helped set up new voting districts in Virginia.
In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant chose John Campbell to be the Governor of the Wyoming Territory. He was appointed again in 1873.
Granting Women the Right to Vote
As Governor, Campbell made history. He approved the very first law in the United States that clearly gave women the right to vote. This important law was passed on December 10, 1869. Because of this, December 10 is now celebrated as Wyoming Day.
Later Roles
In 1875, Campbell worked as the Third Assistant Secretary of State. This meant he helped the main Secretary of State, Hamilton Fish. John Campbell was a member of the Republican Party.
Later, on December 3, 1877, Campbell was appointed as the American Consul in Basel, Switzerland. He served in this role until he resigned on February 4, 1880.
Death and Legacy
John Campbell died on July 14, 1880. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Campbell County, Wyoming, a place in Wyoming, was named after him. It might also have been named after Robert Campbell, an early fur trader.
