Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2011, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Portrait and biographical album of Mecosta County, Mich. containing portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Michigan and of the presidents of the United States: also containing a complete history of the county, from its earliest settlement to the present time. Published by Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL, 1883 Judith Anne Weeks Ancell April 6, 2011 =========================================================================== Page 228 CAMPBELL, John R. =========================================================================== John R. Campbell, boot and shoe merchant at Big Rapids, was born in DeWitt Co., Ill., May 1, 1856. His parents, Barzillai(sic) and Rosanna (Sackett) Campbell, went to La Cygne, Kan., in 1865, where they engaged in farming, and became prominent in the social and political circles of that section, Mr. Campbell, Sr., being elected in 1877 to represent his district in the State Legislature. The first business venture of Mr. Campbell was that of jobbing in canned goods at wholesale at Kansas City, Mo., after three months he went to New Brunswick, N. J., and officiated one year as book-keeper for the home Valley Preserving Company. He then went to Indiana, where he engaged in the insurance business. In May, 1882, he came to Big Rapids and formed a partnership, with P. Wait, in the sale of boots and shoes, which connection was dissolved Aug. 1, 1883, Mr. Campbell buying his partner’s interest. His stock is valued at $4,500, and his business transactions amount to $1,200 monthly. Mr. Campbell was married at South New Brunswick, N. J., Oct. 24, 1882, to Julia Vn Deventer, who was born in New Jersey, Oct. 23, 1862. ===========================================================================