Alexander Campbell

A number of individuals named Alexander Campbell were living in New York during the second half of the eighteenth century. The subject of this profile married Mary Mc Millan in 1778 and lived in Albany into the 1790s. A prominent, same-named contemporary was a one-time resident of Schenectady and a loyalist exile.

This individual probably came to Albany during the War for Independence. In June 1777, he was among those issued instructions by the Albany Committee. Afterwards, "Alexander Camplee" was accorded a land bounty right in conjunction with the Albany militia regiment.

In July 1778, he married Mary Mc Mullen at the Albany Dutch church. By 1781, two children were christened there. Between 1787 and 1791, three more children were baptized at the Albany Presbyterian church where both parents appear to have been members. Presbyterian records identified him as a "laborer." However, a number of marriage senarios are possible for this Albany resident.

In January 1787, he was paid from the city treasury. In August 1781, he was granted a lot adjacent to that of Gregor Grant. In March 1792, he was granted a lot on the south side of State Street.

In 1788, his personal property was assessed within the home of a newcomer Scot in a location along the road above the core city. In 1790, his household was configured on the census for the first ward.

After 1790, his name is absent from Albany rolls. However, an Alexander Campbell's name appeared on a map showing the first tenants in Rensselaerville dated 1787. In 1797 and 1800, he was leasing a farm in Rensselaerville. In November 1803, he was deeded twenty-three acres in Watervliet by Stephen Van Rensselaer. Perhaps, he was formerly of Albany.

In 1800, an age appropriate Alexander Campbell was identified on the census as a householder (with six children 10 and under) in the section of Watervliet just north of Albany.

With so many loose ends, enough for now. We seek defining information on the origins and passing of the Albany resident Alexander Campbell.

Sources: The life of Alexander Campbell is CAP biography number 7526. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.