The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1867-09-07
From she Nashville Union and Dispateh.l
Death Of Ez-GoV William B Campbell


William B. Campbell died at his home in
Lebanon on the 18th ult of dropsey of the
heart Thus has gone hence one of Ten
nessee' s abiest and most cherished sons
one whom she has trusted and honored, and
who in turn has conferred lustre upon her
name.
Gov. Campbell was a native of Tennessee,
and was between ffty-fve and sixty years of
age He was bred lawyer; but soon after
coming to the bar he was elected to the
Legislature of the State in the year 1885.
Before his term expired, he volunteered in
Che Florida war He sprang from a patri-
otto and martial ancestry, his grand father
being an officer in Gen. Greene's army in the
Revolution, and his father commanding
regiment at kiBg's Mountain. In the Florida
campaign Gov. Campbell was Captain in
the line, and participated in the battle Of the
Withacoochee, and the two battles of WahOo
Swamp On his return home he was
elected to Congress in 1887, and served out
the term to the satisfaction of his constitu-
ents, who returned him again in 1889, and
still again in lS4l. In one or more of these
elections, the strongest opposition was ar
rayed against him that could be found IN the
district, and be was considered invincible.
In 1886 he promptly vOlunteed in She war
with Mexico, and was chosen by the First
Tennessee regiment as its Colonel His
gallant conduct at the head of that 9nsur-
passed body of troops, won for it the SOU
briquet of 1.-THE Bloody First" He fought,
during his services in the Mexican war, in
the battles of Monterey, Vera Cruz, the Made
line Bridge and Cerro-Gordo
On his return from Mexico, he was unani-
mously elected Judge of the Circuit Court,
in the Carthage district, by the Legislature,
which position he filed with marked ability
until 1851, when he was nominated as the
Wing candidate for Governor, by acclama-
ton, and elected over Gov Trousdale, the
most popular and influential man of his party
at the time. In the closing sentence of his
acceptance of the nomination he gave the key
to hispolitical faith, saying l accept with
a pledge to my friends of a heart devoted to
the Union of these United States, and to the
honor and prosperity of my native State "
On the occasion of his nomination, Hon. NJ
p. Gentry, who had served in the Legisla
ture with him, as we'll as in Congress fol
many years said of him " Although Ten.
nessee is rich in noble sons-though ike the
mother Of the Grachie, she can proudly
point to her children, and say with truth
these are my Jewels yet, in my opinion, she
has not within her broad limits nobler son
than VIM B. Campbell In integrity and
honor. in fidelity and truth, in courage and
patriotism, in all that constitutes a high
nobleaand manly character he had no su
perior.
At the close of his gubernatorial term he
voluntarily retired from official station, and
though retaining a lively interest in politics
and to q degree continued an active pOiitl
clan, devoted his time to his family and pri
yate affairs, which was made the more nee
essary by the loss of his wife
During the late war he held an Unequivo
cal Union position, but never entered &C
lively into the war Throughout its duration
he looked with anxiety to its possible weak
ening Of the popular respect Tor the princi
niles and restraints of the constitution. H
reearded every invasion of the constitution
under whatever Eretext, as fearfully danger
Gus to public liberty Sincerely deprecatin
the necessity for the continued efusiOn O
blood. in 1864 he eoncurred with those VIII
proposed to resort to negotiation for a tel
mination of the war-and though his nam
was not brought forward 1t was freely can
vassed as n proper one for the Vice Pres
Dental ticket with Gen. Mcclellan. Whei
the war was over, earnestly desiring th
sneedv restoration Of the ancient fraternity
he heartily indoFsed the policy Of the Pres
5ant and was IN 1865 elected to Congress
~, the friends of the Administration in thi
5;striet. His service was brief, not being aC
mitted to his seat until near tho close of hi
term and though importuned by his triendi
he declined TO stand for reelection.
s9aa refused to permit has name TO be use
Co. the position of Governor, being resolve
10 forego all public station.
Governor Campbell was only ambition
for the good of his country and people. Il
was modest TO absolute difhdence. and col
stantlv distrusted his capacity. yet he alway
eueeeeded Ira winning distinction IN ever
most 20 which he was called. his courage
integritv and patriotism was unquesroned-
80 fntellset strong, his judgment clear an
acc1rate. and his frmness and tenacity
nnrnose truly remarkable He was indee.
one 81 Tennessee's jewels-and her loss
his death is one to be mourned N heartte
grief Is q public calamity.