Matthew Campbell (minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matthew Campbell
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Campbell in 1887
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| Born | September 1, 1823 |
| Died | September 19, 1897 (aged 74) |
| Occupation | Minister |
| Political party | Republican |
| Religion | Baptist |
Matthew or Madison Campbell (born September 1, 1823 – died September 19, 1897) was an important Baptist preacher in Richmond, Kentucky. He was a strong leader in both religious and political groups. Campbell helped to create many churches and worked to improve life for people in his community.
Early Life and Faith
Matthew Campbell was born on September 1, 1823, in Madison County, Kentucky. His parents, Jackson and Lucy Campbell, were enslaved. Matthew lived close to his family, including his grandparents. Some of his family members were able to gain their freedom.
When he was young, Matthew joined the Baptist church. However, his enslaver, who was a Methodist, made him follow the Methodist faith. In 1842, Matthew started to preach. By 1844, he was allowed to preach in the Methodist Church. He preached at an interracial church for about ten years.
After his enslaver died in 1851, Matthew joined the Baptist church again. He was baptized in 1856. In 1857, he became an ordained minister. This meant he was officially recognized to lead a church. In 1858, he became the pastor of the First Colored Baptist Church in Richmond. Matthew learned to read and write later in life. He got help from his father and white children in his neighborhood.
Family Life
On January 21, 1843, Matthew Campbell married Polly Woods Ballard. They had fourteen children together. After Polly passed away in 1894, Matthew married Roxana Moberly.
Gaining Freedom and Leading Churches
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Matthew Campbell bought his freedom in 1863. He paid $233 for it. He also hired his wife, but half of her earnings went to her enslaver. Matthew and his wife worked near Camp Nelson.
Campbell was a very active church leader. He helped start several new churches. These included churches at Mt. Pleasant, Otter Creek, Mt. Nebo, New Liberty in Bobtown, Kirksville, and Goodloe Chapel. He also helped create important Baptist groups.
In 1870, he was involved in a meeting that led to the creation of Simmons College of Kentucky. This was a very important school. In 1892, the school gave him a special degree.
Matthew Campbell was also active in politics. He supported the Republican Party and attended many local meetings. He kept careful records of all his work as a minister. When he died, it was reported that he had helped 125 ministers and deacons get ordained. He also baptized 5,000 people and traveled over 33,900 miles. In 1895, he wrote a book about his own life.
His Legacy
Matthew Campbell passed away on September 19, 1897. After his death, a judge in Kentucky ordered the court to close in his honor. This was the first time such an honor was given to a Black person in Kentucky. It showed how much he was respected.
