Sacramento County
Biographies
CHARLES M. CAMPBELL
CHARLES M. CAMPBELL, dealer in
furniture and carpets, 409 K street,
Sacramento, is a native of California,
having been born in Sacramento, May
28, 1860, where his early life was spent. He is the son of Fanny and the
late John Campbell, the former being a native of England,
and the latter of Scotland. John
Campbell, his father, came to Canada with his parents when nine years old, and
remained with them till he was twenty-one, when he went to New York and learned
the trade of stair-builder, removing thence to New Orleans, where he branched
out as a contractor. In 1849 he determined to seek his fortune in California,
taking passage by way of the Isthmus. Owing, however, to detention, he did
not arrive in San Francisco till January,
1850. Coming immediately to Sacramento
he commenced the manufacture of furniture, and was the pioneer in that business
in the city. He continued in this business up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1881, when Charles M. succeeded him,
being then nearly twenty-one years old. He had been with his father as an
assistant for six years; consequently was well qualified to carry on the
business, which he has done with uninterrupted success to the present
time. His business career has been marked by the strictest
integrity. To this, as well as his affable manners and prompt attention to
business, is due his constantly increasing trade. Mr. Campbell is an
active member of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Young Men’s Christian
Association, being president of the latter organization, which position he has
held four years. In this connection it may be said that to his energy,
together with that of a few others, is due the fact that the Young Men’s
Christian Association is a living institution at this time, and in successful
operation. In 1879-80 he took charge of a branch business for his father
in Virginia City, Nevada,
and while there organized a juvenile temperance society of over 100 members,
which still exists. In the cause of temperance Mr. Campbell is an ardent
worker, and in politics a Prohibitionist. Mr. Campbell uses his means to
good advantage, enlarging his views of the world by travel. To this end he
has twice visited Europe. In April, 1889, ha (sic)
was honored by the Governor of Califoruie (sic) with
appointment as one of the commissioners to represent the State at the World’s
Exhibition in Paris. This appointment, while complimentary to him,
reflects much credit on the judgment of the Governor in making the selection,
his business qualifications and gentlemanly bearing rendering him a fit
representative of the Golden State. Being
possessed of much push and energy, he is destined to become at no distant day
one of the most prominent business men of Sacramento.
Transcribed 9-25-07 Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: Davis, Hon. Win. J., An Illustrated
History of Sacramento County, California. Pages 765-766.
Lewis Publishing Company. 1890.
© 2007 Marilyn R. Pankey.