Joseph and Joseph I. Campbell

Joseph Campbell was born in Ireland in 1808, and his father dying when he was quite young, he was adopted by an uncle, who cared for him until he reached manhood, and then, after paying a visit to his mother, whom he had not seen since he was first separated from her, he came to America. He first took up his residence in Pittsburgh, and secured a position as clerk in a mercantile house. Afterward he worked on the Pennsylvania canal, earning and saving the money, $202.06, with which he purchased, in 1834, 100 acres of land in Valley township, upon which not a tree had been cut. In 1837 he married Margaret Irvin, and about 1838 they moved onto the farm, where he had already made a clearing and built a log cabin. Although surrounded by adverse circumstances, they rose superior to them through patient toil. Slowly the land was cleared, and the lonely home improved by the addition of hard-earned conveniences. Both were hard-working, thrifty, honest people, respected by all who knew them. Mr. Campbell was a member of the Methodist church, and was for years a class leader; his wife was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Campbell's death occurred March 29, 1846, and from that time the father endeavored by increased care for his children to compensate in some degree, however small, the loss of a mother's influence. His own death occurred in October, 1858. He left two sons: Joseph I., born January 6, 1841, and John, born in 1844.

Joseph I. Campbell for several years after his father's death rented and continued upon the homestead farm, and in the meantime bought land adjoining. Subsequently he purchased his brother's interest, and is therefore the sole possessor of the paternal estate, which through his skillful management has been transformed into one of the best homes in the county, as may be seen by a view of the house and surroundings, which appears upon another page. Mr. Campbell is now numbered among the progressive and successful farmers of the county. In politics be is a republican.

Upon September 5, 1860, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage with Miss Isabella Irvin, a lady of Irish parentage, born in Kittanning in 1828. Her death occurred December 29, 1882, preceded by that of her son John I., which took place December 6. The family thus suffered a two-fold bereavement. Mrs. Campbell was a most estimable wife and mother, and much loved in the Episcopal church, of which she was a member. Her surviving children are: Irvin T., Mary and Joseph.

Source: Page(s) 611, History of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania by Robert Walker Smith, Esq. Chicago: Waterman, Watkins & Co., 1883.
Transcribed December 2000 by Jeffrey Bish for the Armstrong County Smith Project.
Contributed by Jeffrey Bish for use by the Armstrong County Genealogy Project (http://www.pa-roots.com/armstrong/)

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