1849 – 1909
William M. Campbell was born in 1849 in Tennessee. On August 13, 1874 he was married to Miss Laphemia Florence James. Eleven children were born to them, one of whom, Ada Elizabeth, still survives at age 102. Another daughter, Nettie Edith, also is still living. The Campbell family came to Texas in 1878 and settled in the vicinity of Tolar.
According to a daughter, Mrs. Nettie Edith Carter, William Campbell brought the first Negroes to Hood County to help him clear his land and to pick cotton. With his help several of them brought their families and established a farming community, which continued for many years a few miles northeast of Tolar.
Apparently Elder Campbell was ordained to the ministry before coming to Texas. He preached in many of the churches and helped to establish many others, including Tolar and Antioch. He contributed the lumber and a good part of the labor for the first Baptist church building in Tolar.
He was called from his earthly labors July 12, 1909. His earthly remains rest in the Strouds Creek Cemetery.
| SOURCE Paluxy Baptist Association Centennial Story 1880 – 1980 |