William O. Campbell
William O. Campbell of Peebles, was born at Locust Grove, in Adams County, August 10, 1873. His father was James Q. Campbell and his mother's maiden name was Catherine J. Manahan. She was married May 28. 1849, to Charles Wilford Young. He died May 7, 1856, and she married James Q. Campbell, November 17, 1860. As the name implies. Mr. Campbell is defended from Scottish Highlanders. His father's parents were born in Maryland and removed, when young, to Butler County, Pennsylvania, where they resided until his father's death. His grandparents located in Maryland about 1765. James Q. Campbell was a member of the State Militia of Pennsylvania for five years. He was a member of the Militia of Ohio for five years, and served as a Private in Company K, 141st O. V. I., in 1864. Our subject's mother was born in Adams County in 1830 and reared there. She is of the Tener and Porter families who settled in Maryland in 1700, emigrating from Holland and Wales. These two families located in Ohio in 1802, part settling in Adams County and a part in Ross County.
Our subject was educated in the Public schools of his home and began teaching in 1890 at Jaybird. He taught thereafter in the Winters and attended Normal Schools in the Summers of 1890, 1891 and 1892. From 1892 to 1894, he attended school and completed his studies in Cleveland, in 1894. From that time till 1898, he followed the profession of school teacher.
In 1898, he quit the profession of teaching and took up that of traveling salesman for art works and has made his business a great success. In politics, he is, and has always been, a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At present he is pushing a patent, No. 633,503, known as the C. & M. self-adjusting gig saddle for all kinds of harness. In this enterprise, he is associated with William Mickey, of Peebles, and they are making arrangements for the manufacture of their patented device. Their invention seems to have great merit and it is to he hoped they will make their fortunes by it.
Our subject is an ambitious young man. He early qualified himself as a teacher and showed himself very efficient and competent in that profession. Everywhere he taught, he won the good-will and friendship of his pupils and their parents. His success prompted further efforts and he attended a number of Normal schools and took up the study of higher branches. He also took a business course. He has successfully carried on an extensive work for a publishing house. He is of a genial and social nature and is fond of music. He has good conversational qualities. He is free from the use of spirits, liquors and narcotics. He is very energetic and industrious, and is disposed to lead in everything he undertakes. Mr. Campbell has all those qualities which promise for him great success in life.
From History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900