Franklin Campbell (1815 - 1889)

Born 17 Jan 1815 in Middlebury, Addison, Vermont, United States

Husband of Caroline (Tuthill) Campbell — married 1840 in Illinois, United States

Descendants

Died 11 Aug 1889 at age 74 in Kirwin, Phillips, Kansas, United States

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Biography

Franklin was born in 1815. He passed away in 1889.

Obituary

Death of Colonel Franklin Campbell

Last Sunday evening, August 11th, the sad news was announced throughout the city that Colonel F. Campbell had died about 6 o'clock p.m.

Colonel Campbell was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of our city. His death was by no means unexpected as he has for several years been confined to his room with poor health. He was at one time register of the Kansas Land Office and has always, when his health would permit him, been an earnest worker for the welfare of the community in which he lived. He was a devoted member of the Congregational Church; was for over forty years, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been a member of Lodge No. 9, of Chicago. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Ancient Free and Accept Masons; was what is known as a "War Mason".

The funeral services were held in the Kirwin Opera House on Tuesday at 11 o'clock a.m. at which time all branches of business in the city were suspended as a mark of respect to the dead citizen, patriot and soldier. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. R. F. Markham, pastor of the Congregational Church after which the remains were taken charge of by the I.O.O.F. lodge of this city under whose direction the funeral and burial services were conducted. The body was followed to the cemetery by a large concourse of people, many being present from neighboring towns and different parts of the county.

Deceased leaves a wife and four sons, Lewis E. of Alton, Henry E. of Kensington, Frank of Wichita and Arthur of Kirwin.

We wish to add the following extract from Rev. Markham's sermon, as giving many important facts concerning Colonel Campbell's life. We would like to print the entire address, but our space will not permit us to do so. Mr. Markham said:

"We are gathered together today to pay the last tribute of respect to the dead. Colonel Franklin Campbell, whose corpse now lies before us, was born in Middleburg, Vermont, January 17, 1815. Had he lived until the 17th of January next, he would have been 75 years old.

Part of his life was spent with his parents in Connecticut, and part in New York. At the age of 23 he went to Southern Illinois—Perry County. His parents died at the age of 73, both in the same year.

In 1840 he was married to Miss Caroline Tuthill. Had he lived another year, he would have been able to celebrate his golden wedding.

In 1844 he and his companion united with the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Perry County, Illinois. He moved from Perry County to Chicago.

Franklin Campbell was an abolitionist, a lover of freedom, and a hater of slavery. Every drop of blood in his veins was loyal to his country. But he was no less loyal to his God. His motto was, "My God and My Country". God's law with him was supreme, and his country had his next highest claim. So when rebellion to the country was shown, he was ready to enlist in defense of his country and freedom. He enlisted with the volunteers and was made colonel of the 81st regiment of volunteers of Illinois. He was in the army until he lost his health, and has never had good health since.

In 1865 he came to Kansas; stopped a while in Manhattan, and in 1871 he moved to Smith Center. There he aided in the formation of the First Congregational Church and in putting up a house of worship. In 1876 he was appointed Register of the Kirwin Land office. This did much to impair his health.

Brother and sister Campbell have had ten children—five sons and five daughters, but only four sons still live, and all the others have gone to the spirit world."

Note: Rev. Markham was misinformed as to the Colonel's military record. At the breaking out of the war he owned a coal mine in Illinois employing two hundred men. He enlisted these men into a regiment with a thousand others and reported to Governor Richard Yates for duty. He was at once commissioned quartermaster which position he occupied for about seven days. When the officers of the regiment were chosen, Franklin Campbell was made Lieutenant Colonel. He succeeded to the colonelry on the death of his superior officer at the siege of Vicksburg.--Editor^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ Kirwin Chief-August 15, 1889

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51472345/franklin-campbell: accessed March 17, 2024), memorial page for Franklin Campbell (17 Jan 1815–11 Aug 1889), Find a Grave Memorial ID 51472345, citing Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin, Phillips County, Kansas, USA; Maintained by Barbara Bowman (contributor 47205874).