Political party Democratic Party Democratic Party | Name David Campbell Children none | |
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Preceded by Wyndham Robertson (acting) Born August 7, 1779
Washington County (later Smyth County), Virginia ( 1779-08-07 ) Spouse(s) Maria Hamilton Campbell Role Former Governor of Virginia Died March 19, 1859, Abingdon, Virginia, United States Previous offices Governor of Virginia (1837–1840), Virginia State Senator (1820–1824) | ||
Succeeded by Thomas Walker Gilmer | ||
David Campbell (August 7, 1779 – March 19, 1859) was a Virginia merchant, soldier and political figure. He was the 27th Governor of Virginia, serving from 1837 to 1840.
Biography
Campbell was born in a part of Washington County, Virginia, that later became Smyth County. He was a successful merchant in Abingdon, Virginia, and served in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. Both of his parents were of Scottish descent.
As governor Campbell unsuccessfully advocated creation of a statewide system of compulsory education. He called a special session of the General Assembly that helped Virginia weather the financial Panic of 1837.
His brother John Campbell (1787 or 1788 – by 29 January 1867) served as treasurer of the United States from 1829 to 1839. Another brother, Edward Campbell (1781–1833), represented Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Washington Counties in the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1829–1830.