James Campbell

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James Campbell was a feltmaker in Albany during the American Revolution. Most likely, he was born before 1750. We have yet to link him to specific origins but believe he was of Scottish ancestry.

A number of same-named individuals appear to be at risk in the upriver regions prior to the War for Independence.

In November 1778, a James Campbell living in Albany and was appointed firemaster for the first ward.

In March 1779, his first ward property and belongings were valued on the city assessment roll. He also owned a lot in the third ward.

In 1781, he was among those newcomers who purchased the "Freedom of the city." That document identified him as a feltmaker.

He may have been married to a woman named "Mable." However, their family life thus far has escaped our search of the available records of the Albany churches.

In June 1784, Campbell and his wife conveyed a piece of property in Southside to John Mc Kinney. A month later, he posted a bond for James Wood of Cambridge. At that time, Campbell was identified as an Albany merchant.

After that, his name appears to drop from the community-based roll. He does not seem to have been closely related to contemporary surveyor and Southside innkeeper Archibald Campbell.

A number of senerios for the later life of James Campbell are possible. Which ones (if any) continue the story of the Albany merchant and feltmaker are still open questions.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of James Campbell is CAP biography number 7532. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.





first posted 5/30/10; updated 10/30/16