JOHN CAMPBELL has passed all his life on the farm in Howard township which he is now cultivating, having been born there in August, 1856.  He is a son of Donald and Margaret Campbell, and a grandson of Angus and Katie Campbell, who came to Canada from their native, Scotland, in a very early day.  Five sons and one daughter accompanied them to the New World and the family settled in Howard township, County of Kent, Ontario, their first location being on Lot 13, Concession 10, where they began in the woods like the other pioneers.  The children were Duncan, Archie, Donald, James (who now lives out in the Northwest), Robert and Flora, the last named the wife of John Beaton.

Donald Campbell, father of John, was born in Scotland in 1816, and grew to manhood in the County of Kent, Ontario, where he engaged in farming all his life.  He purchased the present home of his son John from the Canadian Company, and was the first settler ont he place, which he was obliged to clear for cultivation.  After improving the land he made many other substantial improvements ont he place in the way of barns and outbuildings, and a large brick house was also put up on the place during his time.  He and his wife lived here from the time of their marriage until they passed away, in 1898.  Mrs. Campbell was born in Scotland in 1828.  This worthy couple reared a large family, as follows:  Katherine, born in 1850, is the wife of James Stoliker, of Howard, and has two sons, Donald and James; her daughter, Katie, is deceased.  Angus, born in 1852, married Ceretha Teetzel, of Highgate, County of Kent, and they now reside in Ridgetown; they have three children, Katie M., Donald R. and Margaret Edna.  Mary, born at the old home in Howard, which was the birthplace of all the family, died when sixteen years old.  John, born in August, 1856, is mentioned below.  Flora, born in 1858, is the wife of George Clark, and has one son, Percie Leverne; they reside on the 8th Concession.  Maggie A., born in 1860, is the wife of George Anderson and they reside on his farm in Howard township; they have no family.  Peter, born in 1862, married Miss Annie Knapp, of Orford and they have two sons,, Gordon D. and Peter J.; they reside on the homestead of his uncle, Robert Campbell.  Donald, born in 1864, died when a young man.  Betty, born in 1867, died in young womanhood.

John Campbell was reared to manhood on the old home place, and during his boyhood attended the local schools, receiving a practical education.  He and his brother Peter took the management of the home farm for some years prior to the father's death, after which John Campbell purchased the property, he and Peter continuing to work together until the latter purchased the home he now owns.  John Campbell's property is located in Lot 10, Concession 7.  He has continued to improve the place, having erected a new barn since it came into his possession, and is profitably engaged in general farming, for which work he is well fitted by lifelong training as well as inclination. 

In 1895 Mr. Campbell married Miss Maggie a. Campbell, who was born in 1876 in Orford township, this county, daughter of John L. and Annie (Summerville) Campbell, and comes of an old family of this section.  Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have passed all their married life on the homestead.  Five daughters have been born to their union, ivz:  Margaret, in 1896; Annie J., in 1897; Grace, in 1899; Ada, in 1900; and Irelne L., February 23, 1902.  Mr. and Mrs. Campbell take an active part in the religious life and work of their community  as members of the Baptist Church, in which faith they are rearing their family.

The men of the Campbell family have always been ardent adherents of the reform party.  John Campbell has for the past two years been pathmaster in Howard., his father holding that position for several years.  They have proved efficient in that incumbency, as in the management of their private affairs, and the family is one welll deserving the high opinion its members enjoy in the community.