James I. McCampbell, an honored veteran of the Civil war and one of the valued citizens of Fontanelle, was formerly identified wit agricultural interests but for about thirty years has engaged in business as a dealer in agricultural implements. Although now seventy-five years of age he still remains active in business and his record should put to shame many a man of younger years who has grown weary of the struggle and trials of life,and would relegate to others the burdens that he should bear.
Mr. McCampbell was born November 1, 1829, in Parke county, Indiana, his parents being Alexander B. and Frances (Cunningham) McCampbell, natives of Indiana and Kentucky respectively. They were married in the Hoosier state and in 1865 became residents of Iowa, settling in Warren county, where their remaining days were passed. Of their family of eight children only two are now living.
James I. McCampbell started out in life on his own account at the age of eighteen years andhas since been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He put aside all business and personal considerations however, at the time of the Civil war and at the age of twenty-one enlisted for service in the Union army, becoming a member of Company B, Sixteenth Illinois Infantry, with which he served for more than four years, participating in all the hardships incident to warfare. He took part in anumber of the most hotly contested battles and was with Sherman on the celerated march to the sea. He was also on active duty near Washington and at the close of the war was mustered out at Camp Butler, Illinois, returning to his old home with a most creditable military record. Although he was often in the thickest of the fight he escaped being wounded.
Following his milary experience Mr. McCampbell removed to Warren county, Iowa, settling on the farm where he lived for nine years. On the expiration of that period he came to Adair county, where he engaged in farming or eleven years and in 1886 he removed to Fontanelle, where he established an implement business. That success has attained his efforts is indicated by the fact that he has continued in this line, carrying a well selected stock and keeping in touch with the market in all that moder invention provides. He is regarded as a thoroughly reliable as well as an enterprising business man.
On December 21, 1865, Mr. McCampbell was united in marrige to Miss Sarah E. Latimer, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of James D. and Cynthia (Bilbo) Latimer, both natives of Kentucky and both now deceased, their last days having been spent in Warren county, Iowa. Mrs. McCampbell was one of a family of eight children and by their marriage has become the mother of six children: W. F., who is associated with his father in business; Lilly, the wife of P. A. Chafa, of Bridgewater, Iowa; Charles, of Colorado; Thomas E., deceased; Iva D., the wife of B. W. Lewis, of Colorado; and Verner H., of Fontanelle.
In his political views Mr. McCampbell is an earnest republican, always giving loyal support to the party. For four years he filled the office of mayor of Fontanelle and made an excellent record by the manner in which he safeguarded and promoted the interests of the town. He has also been a member of the school board for a number of years and fraternally he is identified with the Masons as a member of both the lodge and chapter. The motive spring of his life, however, has been found in his religious faith, both he and his wife being consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. |
