Campbell, Malcolm, 1839-1932

Malcolm and Mary (Smith) Campbell and children left Scotland in 1819 bound for Canada. They homesteaded in the township of Caradoc, province of Ontario, and raised their family there. Son Donald (1813-1887) married Catherine Smith (b. 1819) in 1838. Donald and Catherine’s first-born son Malcolm D. was born in Caradoc, Ontario, Canada, June 4, 1839.

Malcolm D. Campbell left Canada with his parents in 1864, eventually going to Nebraska. In 1866 he became a driver or “bullwhacker.” He later worked with John Hunton and William Hooker near Fort Fetterman in this capacity. Campbell cast his first vote at Fort Laramie in 1869 at the first election held in Wyoming Territory. He was elected the first Sheriff of Converse County, Wyoming, when the county was organized and served two terms before becoming Chief of Police in 1908 for Douglas, Wyoming, a position he held for 12 years. While sheriff, Campbell apprehended the infamous Alferd Packer near Ft. Fetterman and returned him as far as Laramie City. In 1920 Campbell moved to Casper to work for Standard Oil Company. He was elected president of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. He married Priscilla Noble in 1879 and had three children, Donald, Katherine, and Malcolm S. Priscilla Campbell died July 18, 1937. Malcolm D. Campbell died July 21, 1932.

Malcolm S. Campbell was born November 6, 1888 in Douglas, Wyoming Territory. In the early 1900s, Campbell and his brother operated a livery stable in Lost Springs and he was the first city clerk and treasurer when the town was incorporated in 1910. In 1914 Campbell hired on with the Midwest Oil Company in the Salt Creek oil field. He also worked in the Lance Creek, Big Muddy, Poison Spider, and Mule Creek Fields. Campbell moved to Story, Wyoming, in 1943. He later helped organize the Robbers Roost Historical Association and was president of the club for its first two years. He married Reta Leach in 1912 and had five children: Edna, Dorothy, Malcolm L. (Bud), Richard, and Carol. Reta Campbell died June 6, 1977. Malcolm S. Campbell died December 17, 1978 in Sheridan.

From the guide to the Malcolm Campbell family papers, 1879-1989, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)