John Arthur Campbell facts for kids
John A. Campbell (born October 3, 1823 – died June 17, 1886) was an important lawyer from Virginia. He represented his home area, Washington County, at a big meeting in 1861 called the Virginia Secession Convention. At this meeting, he voted for Virginia to leave the United States. After that, he helped create and lead the 48th Virginia Infantry army unit for about a year. Later, he became a judge.
Quick facts for kids
John Arthur Campbell
|
|
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 4, 1824 Washington County, Virginia U.S. |
| Died | June 17, 1886 (aged 62) Abingdon, Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Abingdon, Virginia |
| Political party | Whig |
| Education | Virginia Military Institute, Emory & Henry College |
| Occupation | lawyer, soldier, judge |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service |  Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1862 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 48th Virginia Infantry |
| Battles/wars | First Battle of Winchester |
Contents
Early Life and Education
John A. Campbell was born in October 1823. His family lived at a place called Hall's Bottom in Virginia. His father, Edward McDonald Campbell, was a lawyer for Washington County for many years. John had two brothers, Jos. T. Campbell and Dr. E.M.Campbell.
John's uncles were also important people. One uncle, David Campbell, was the Governor of Virginia from 1837 to 1840. Another uncle, John Campbell, was the Treasurer of the United States from 1829 to 1839.
John A. Campbell went to Abingdon Academy and then Emory & Henry College. He later studied at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1844. After that, he studied law for a short time at the University of Virginia.
In 1848, John married Mary Branch. Her father, Peter Branch, lived with them. John and Mary had one daughter, Elizabeth, in 1850, but she passed away when she was young. The family also owned enslaved people.
Law and Political Career
John Campbell became a lawyer in 1846. He practiced law for a short time in Nashville, Tennessee. Soon after, he moved back to Abingdon, Virginia. In 1852, he ran for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, which is part of the state government. However, he did not win that election.
Later, voters in Washington County chose John Campbell and another person, Robert E. Grant, to represent them. They became delegates for the Virginia Secession Convention of 1861. At first, Campbell supported keeping the United States together. But by the end of the convention, he changed his mind and voted for Virginia to leave the Union.
Military Service and Judgeship
After Virginia voted to leave the United States, John Campbell became a colonel in the army. On June 26, 1861, he took command of the 48th Virginia Infantry unit. He led this unit for more than a year.
During his time in the army, he had a short break due to illness. He also took time off to attend a meeting in Richmond. In April 1862, he was re-elected as colonel. He commanded a larger group of soldiers in May and June. During the First Battle of Winchester, he was wounded in his hand and arm. He returned to his troops in September after he got better.
However, Colonel Campbell resigned from the army in October 1862. He was unhappy because another officer, who he felt was less experienced, was promoted above him. He believed this promotion was unfair.
After leaving the army, Campbell became a circuit judge in Abingdon in November 1862. He served as a judge until April 1865, when the federal government removed him from office. He was put back in his judge role in 1867 and served until 1869.
Besides being a judge, Campbell was also a member of the Abingdon town council starting in 1860. After 1863, he served as a lieutenant in the local Home Guard. After the war, he became the president of the Board of Trustees for Emory & Henry College for 17 years.
Later Life and Legacy
Judge John Campbell passed away in Abingdon on June 17, 1886. He was buried at Sinking Spring cemetery. His wife, Mary, was buried there many years later. A portrait of Judge Campbell was placed in the local courthouse where he had served as a judge.
