William H. Campbell
William H. Campbell Family History
William (Will) H. Campbell was born in Courtland, Alabama on January 2, 1824; died August 27, 1894. He married Isabella Wallace (born January 4, 1833; died October 25, 1916). Both are buried in Davis Cemetery in marked graves. No children were born to this union but Will and “Is” reared two: Lillie Ainsworth, an English girl, and Retilla Peel, an adopted daughter who retained her birth surname. Retilla was a relative. Will’s mother’s maiden name was Ball; so was Retilla’s mother’s. Will Campbell was prosperous. One of his contemporaries said, “He financed every homestead from river to river.” He had a mill and gin at Toni, and in 1873 bought lots in the city of Grapeland. Will have several brothers. Frank (married a Glover), Wess, Mack, and John (never married), maybe others. The brothers cooperated in various enterprises. Frank and Will had a general store. Will, Frank and another brother built three houses alike near the mill pond. It seems evident that Will was the original land owner, or acquired it later, for the land, gin and store were willed to Retilla Thompson. It was on this property that Cammie and Nion Thompson lived before they retired to aPalestine nursing home. There were some Campbell graves near the home but it is not known whether they were marked. Beyond being a successful business man, Will Campbell was respected for his qualities of goodness and integrity. His lodge and church were prime concerns of his life. He was made a Master Mason about the year 1860, at Euclid Lodge in Cherokee County, Texas. Later, he was a member of Grapeland Lodge No. 473 A.F. and A.M. and was buried with Masonic rites.