David Campbell | |
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Portrait of Governor Cambpell
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27th Governor of Virginia | |
In office March 31, 1837 – March 31, 1840 |
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Preceded by | Wyndham Robertson (acting) |
Succeeded by | Thomas Walker Gilmer |
Virginia State Senator | |
In office 1820-1824 |
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Personal details | |
Born |
Washington County (later Smyth County), Virginia |
August 7, 1779
Died | March 19, 1859 "Montcalm," Abingdon, Virginia |
(aged 79)
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Maria Hamilton Campbell |
David Campbell (August 7, 1779 – March 19, 1859) was a Virginia merchant, soldier and political figure. He was the 27th Governor of Virginia, serving from 1837 to 1840.
Campbell was born in a part of Washington County, Virginia, that later became Smyth County. He was a successful merchant in Abingdon, Virginia, and served in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. Both of his parents were of Scottish descent.
As governor Campbell unsuccessfully advocated creation of a statewide system of compulsory education. He called a special session of the General Assembly that helped Virginia weather the financial Panic of 1837.
His brother John Campbell (1787 or 1788 – by 29 January 1867) served as treasurer of the United States from 1829 to 1839. Another brother, Edward Campbell (1781–1833), represented Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Washington Counties in the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1829–1830.