Arthur Campbell (1743-1811) |
| Biography: |
| Born in Virginia, Arthur, "the fiery Scotch-Irishman" was considered a frontiersman, politician, and soldier. At the age of 15, he fought in the French-Indian War, was captured and held prisoner for two years near Detroit before escaping. After attending Augusta College, he and his family moved to Southwestern Virginia. He became a representative of the area to one of the Committees of Safety and the Fifth Virginia Convention, instructing the delegates from Virginia to call for independence in the Second Continental Congress. He was a county Lieutenant, Justice, and commanding officer of the Seventieth Regiment of Virginia and responsible for the defense of Washington County. Arthur was described as "zealous" in his policy towards the loyalists by ordering his men to "disarm, distress, and terrify" those active in aiding the British. Campbell participated in efforts with Isaac Shelby and John Sevier, of Western North Carolina, defeating British loyalists at Kings Mountain. Campbell and Sevier collaborated in invading the Cherokee country, leading to a peace agreement in the Treaty of Long Island on the Holsten. Campbell was also a major participant in the secession movement of Southwestern Virginia into the State of Franklin. John Sevier was one of the creators and movers of this secession movement which included not only Southwestern Virginia, but Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Patrick Henry, then governor of Virginia, removed Campbell from his posts as commander and judge and threatened to charge him with treason. He was eventually reinstated. Arthur was also credited with helping the incorporation of Abingdon, Virginia, in 1778. |
| Bibliography: |
American National Biography, Volume 4. Turner, Frederick Jackson, The American Historical Review, Vol. 1, No. 2. (Jan., 1896), pp. 251-269. |