Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Campbell, Bros. 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 5, 2007, 10:24 am

Author: Portraits & Bio Sketches, 1890

CAMPBELL BROS. 

This firm comprises James and Alexander Campbell, two of the most enterprising 
young citizens of Manhattan Township, who operate two hundred and forty acres 
on section 13, this being their mother's farm, and forty acres adjoining, and 
whose specialty is breeding full-blooded Clydesdale horses. They have as much 
money invested in imported equines as any firm in the township, and a lover of 
horse flesh would be much pleased with the fine animals to be seen on their 
place. They are also doing a successful farm business, their crops being equal 
to any in the neighborhood in quality and amount per acre. A brief space 
devoted to the more immediate ancestors of the Campbell Bros, will not be 
amiss, as in this way an insight may be gained into the character which they 
inherit, and a reason found for their success. Their paternal grandfather, 
John Campbell, was a native of Scotland, wherein he followed the trade of a 
mason until his death, also serving for a time in the English army. His son 
John was born in Blerathel, Scotland, learned the trade of the father, and in 
1854, while still unmarried, came to America. After working at his trade in 
New York City for some time he went South, sojourning during various periods 
in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and other Southern States. He finally made 
his way to Joliet, Ill., where he continued his former pursuits, among the 
jobs in which he assisted being the Warden's house at the penitentiary. He 
also worked at his trade in Chicago, although making his home still in Joliet. 
About 1859 this gentleman removed to the country, and some two years later 
left Joliet Township to take possession of one hundred acres of raw land, 
which forms a part of the present Campbell farm. Immediately after his 
purchase he began making improvements, hiring help to run the farm while he 
continued to work at his trade in the two cities before mentioned. He proved a 
successful manager and overseer, added to his landed estate, and at the time 
of his death owned two hundred acres. He breathed his last March 18, 1886, 
when sixty-four years old. For years he did efficient service as School 
Director. He belonged to the Republican party, and to the Presbyterian Church. 
The mother of the Campbell Bros., was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and is a 
daughter of Sandy Kior, who came to America in 1854. Her father was a mason, 
who like the gentleman who became his son in-law, worked at his trade in New 
York City, and afterward in Joliet and Chicago, making his home in the former 
place. He invested in land, and eventually became a large farmer. (See sketch 
of James Kier.) His daughter Grace was reared in Scotland, and was a young 
lady when she crossed the Atlantic, not long after which she became the wife 
of John Campbell. She is now living in Hamilton County, Iowa, with her 
children. She has borne eight sons and daughters, as follows: Kate, now Mrs. 
McLaughlin, of Hamilton County, Iowa; John, a farmer in the same county; 
Charles, who died in Will County; James and Alexander, of this sketch; Eliza, 
who lives with the two brothers just named; Maggie is deceased ; and Archie is 
attending the High School at Joliet. James Campbell opened his eyes to the 
light of day May 4, 1863, on the farm which is his present home. He was reared 
upon it, and educated in the district schools, remaining under the parental 
roof until the death of his father, in 1886. He then rented a farm of two 
hundred and forty acres in Manhattan Township, from his uncle, James Kier, and 
operated the same until the spring of 1889, when he formed a connection with 
his brother and returned to his former home. Alexander Campbell was also born 
on this farm August 3, 1865. He enjoyed the privileges afforded in the common 
schools, and remained upon the farm with his mother until September, 1888, 
receiving wages for his services after he had reached his majority. He then 
made a journey to Scotland, for the double purpose of improving his health, 
and buying Clydesdale horses for himself and brother James. Going to New York 
City he embarked on the Cunard steamer --"Umbria," September 15, and six and a 
half days later landed in Liverpool. Going to Glasgow he made that city his 
headquarters while traveling somewhat in the land from which his ancestors 
came, visiting the former homes of his parents, etc. He sailed from Glasgow 
November 10, on the steamer "Grecian," stopping at Halifax twenty-four hours, 
and arriving in Philadelphia November 29, whence he came directly home. While 
abroad Mr. Campbell purchased five fullblooded Clydesdale horses and an 
Iceland pony, which he brought with him to America. Soon after his return he 
rented the home farm and an adjoining tract, and with his brother began the 
operation of the same. They have all the modern conveniences in the way of 
buildings, use the latest improved farm machinery, and devote themselves with 
unremitting zeal to the work they have in hand. About one hundred and ninety 
acres are planted, principally with corn and oats, and the balance is used as 
pasture and haying ground. They employ four teams in their farm labors, and in 
addition to their specialty raise a good grade of cattle and hogs. The 
Campbell Bros., now have about twenty-five head of graded horses on their 
place, while their full-blooded equines include three mares and two stallions. 
Mabel Eden is a beautiful bay five years old; Betsey is three, and Florence 
two. These were imported by themselves, as was Sir Burt, a three-year old, 
registered as No. 600. Prince Revensworth, also an imported animal, is eight 
years old, and registered as No. 1700. The Campbell Bros., imported Red Moss 
Chief, who is now owned by their brother in Iowa. Neither member of the firm 
is married, but they have an efficient housekeeper in their sister. James is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church at Joliet, and both are held in excellent 
repute in that city, and wherever they are known. James is a Democrat, while 
Alexander is independent in politics.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page 
Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens 
of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890 
 


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