David Campbell (Virginia politician)

For other people of the same name, see David Campbell (disambiguation).

David Campbell
Portrait of Governor Cambpell
27th Governor of Virginia
In office March 31, 1837 – March 31, 1840
Preceded by	Wyndham Robertson (acting)
Succeeded by	Thomas Walker Gilmer
Virginia State Senator
In office 1820-1824
Personal details
Born	(1779-08-07)August 7, 1779 Washington County (later Smyth County), Virginia
Died	"Montcalm," Abingdon, Virginia
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Maria Hamilton Campbell
Children	none

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.

Biography

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.

References

• John T. Kneebone et al., eds., Dictionary of Virginia Biography (Richmond: The Library of Virginia, 1998– ), 2:560–563. ISBN 0-88490-199-8.

External links

• A Guide to the Executive Papers of Governor David Campbell, 1837-1840 at The Library of Virginia

Political offices
Preceded by Wyndham Robertson Acting Governor	Governor of Virginia 1837–1840	Succeeded by Thomas Walker Gilmer