Biographical Sketch (1912):2828, p. 919. Among the prosperous farmers and early settlers of Merrick county, Nebraska, the subject of this review, William F. Campbell, occupies a high position. He resides on section four, township fourteen; range eight, where he has a fine farm and comfortable home, and enjoys the esteem and respect of all who know him.

William F. Campbell was born in Porter county, Indiana, February 27, 1837, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Frame) Campbell, and was fifth in a family of seven children. His parents are now deceased, the father having died January 20, 1884, and the mother, March 18, 1895, both in Indiana. Our subject received his education in the home schools, and later engaged in farming. On January 1, 1862, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Florissa Curtis, also of Indiana.

In October, 1864, Mr. Campbell enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and served until close of war, receiving his discharge in Chicago, Illinois, in June of 1865, the time having been spent in Tennessee on guard duty. After the war, our subject came with his wife and six children to Merrick county, Nebraska, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section four, township fourteen, range eight, which is still the home place. Mr. Campbell has been prosperous and successful, and owns four hundred and seventy-three acres of land, devoted to stock and grain. He was instrumental in organizing his school district number forty-nine, and served as moderator of same for a number of years.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have had eleven children born to them: Silas, who is married, has three children and lives in Oregon; Leander, married, has one son, and resides in Merrick county; Sabina, wife of Clarence Newlon, has two children, and they reside on a farm in Howard county, Nebraska; Mahala, deceased, in 1907, survived by her husband, Sherman Cox; Prior, married, has four children, and lives in Merrick county; Homer, married, has two children, and also resides in Merrick county; Orlando, married, has two children, and lives in Merrick county; Robert, married, lives in Merrick county, and has three children; Walter also married, residing in Merrick county; Francina, wife of Arthur Nicholas, has two children, and lives in Merrick County; and Ruby, who resides at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are among the earliest settlers of the county and passed through all the experiences and hardships incidental to pioneer life.

1837 Birth:2828, p. 919. "William F. Campbell was born in Porter county, Indiana, February 27, 1837," according to regional history.

1840 U.S. Census:2277 William enumerated in the household of his father Samuel Campbell in Porter County, Indiana as one of 2 males under the age of four, the other being his infant brother John. Other household residents were older brother Newton, age 8; sister Margaret, age 14; sister Amanda; father Samuel, age 43; and mother Elizabeth, age 36.

1850 U.S. Census:1381 William enumerated in the household of his father Samuel Campbell on 14 September 1850 in Porter Township, Porter County, Indiana as a male, age 12, born in Indiana, and in school within the year. Other residents of the household were father Samuel, age 53; mother Elizabeth, age 46; sister Margaret, age 24; brother John, age 9; sister Elizabeth, age 7, and sister Nancy, age 5.

1860 U.S. Census:1520 William enumerated in the household of his father Samuel Campbell on 6 September 1860 in Porter Township, Porter County, Indiana as a male, age 24, farm laborer, born in Indiana. Other residents of the household were father Samuel, age 63; mother Elizbeth, age 55; sister (Margaret) Jane, age 36; brother John, age 20; sister Elizabeth, age 18; and sister Nancy, age 16.

1924 Tombstone:2828 Rose Hill Cemetery, Palmer, Merrick County, Nebraska.
William F. Campbell
Feb. 27, 1837
Oct. 11, 1924
Civil War