CAMPBELL, William B., American soldier and statesman: b. Sumner County, Tenn., 1 Feb. 1807; d. near Lebanon, Tenn., 31 Aug. 1867. He was educated in Abingdon, Va., and studied law at Winchester, Va., in the then noted law school of the Hon. St. George Tucker. He began the practice of his profes sion in 1829 at Carthage, Tenn., was elected attorney-general of his district in 1830, a mem ber of the legislature in 1835. He resigned and raised a company of dragoons to serve in the war with the Indians in Florida in 1836. In this year also he formed a volunteer company, of which he was made captain, and fought in the Creek and Seminole War as part of the 2d Tennessee Volunteers under Col. William Trousdales. In 1837 Captain Campbell was elected to the United States Congress and served four terms successively. In 1844-45 he served as major-general of his military division.
He was colonel of the 1st Tennessee Regiment in the Mexican War. He was present at Mata mciras (Palo Alto), Monterey, where he was conspicuous for his gallantry. He was at Vera Cruz on 22 March 1847 and at Cerro Gordo, 18 April 1847. In all he displayed unflinching courage and great capacity as commander. On his return to Tennessee Colonel Campbell was elected unanimously circuit judge in his native place. He held the post for several years, fill ing it with dignity and wisdom. In 1851 he was elected governor of Tennessee, serving one term and declining re-election. He was a member of Congress in 1865-66. In his public life he escaped to a marked degree the cen sures and criticism incident to public station, as a result of his integrity and untiring devotion to duty. -