Representative Edward Campbell View All Years

EDWARD CAMPBELL, JR., was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1820; he died at Fairfield, Iowa, March 10, 1901. Losing his father at an early age, he was largely self-educated. Growing up to manhood near Pittsburg, he became chief clerk in the offices of the prothonotary and sheriff of the county, and later was himself elected to both of those offices and held them for a number of years. He came to Iowa in 1865 and settled on a farm near Fairfield. A few years since he removed to the town where he resided until his death. All his life a Democrat, he became one of the leaders of his party in Iowa, serving as chairman of the State Central Committee for ten years, during which time it is stated that he bore nearly all its expenses. He was a prominent figure in many Democratic national conventions. He was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives for the session of 1872, and also served at the extra session. In his brief legislative career he became especially distinguished for his active work in behalf of the new code of 1873, and for his instrumentality in the repeal of the law for the publication of the Iowa laws in certain newspapers. President Cleveland in his first term appointed him United States Marshal for the southern district of Iowa, which position he held four years. Mr. Campbell became one of the most widely known men in the State and personally one of the most popular. A leader in his party, he ranked as one of the foremost, while he enjoyed the confidence and respect of the opposition. His death at the end of four score useful years called forth the highest expressions of appreciation from the press throughout the State.