Saturday, June 7, 2008

Obituary of J. M. Campbell

Died in Oceola, Iowa, December 2nd, Mr. J. M. Campbell, in the 52nd year of his age.

The deceased was born in Christian Co., Kentucky, where he was raised by respectable parents. At the age of 22 years he removed to the State of Indiana, where he was united in marriage, December 24th, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth J. Burton, whose, companionship he was permitted to enjoy but a few brief years. In 1846 he was married to Nancy Davis, who, with a family of seven children is called to mourn her irreparable loss.

Mr. Campbell, as a man, was respectable in his appearance – kind, courteous, and obliging in his manners. As a Husband and Father, his devotion to the welfare of this family has been surpassed by few.

He held the responsible office of Treasure and Recorder of this (Clark) County, for five years after his removal to Iowa, discharging his public duties with promptitude and fidelity, and dying in office, respected, honored, and lamented by his constituents.

The Christian Religion experimental and practical, enjoyed and lived for nearly 30 years, was the crowning excellence of his character and life. He professed faith in Christ, and united with the M. P. church in the 25th year of his age, continuing to be a worthy and useful member of said Church while he lived, and dying in the responsible position of Leader of the Society of the above order meeting in this place. The power of Christianity which he so long professed, sustained him in the dying hour, and inspired him with a hope which threw the sunlight of Immortality over the gloom of the grave.

His disease was Bilious Pleurisy, from which he suffered much, but was resigned, calm, hopeful, and his final end was “peace.”

A large and deeply affected audience attended his funeral. The writer tried to improved [sic] the occasion, by a discourse from Prov. 14-32, - The Righteous hath hope in his death.”

May the family, friends, and all follow his example and meet him in the “better land.”

A. S. Elliott
Oceola, Dec. 22, 1863

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Dec 26, 1863

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