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History of the County of Perth, 1825-1902
William Johnston, 1903
pp.534-536
STEWART CAMPBELL, as his name indicates, was a son of the heather, born in Strathardie, Kirkmichael parish, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1805. His father, like all glen-folk in that mountainous region, took commendable pride in securing for his children a fair education. At an early age he was sent to the parish school - a noble institution which has done much for Scotland, and which at that period was possessed by no other nation in the world. Subsequently he entered an academy, where he acquired a knowledge of English and mathematics. Without these two branches no Scottish boy's education could be complete, and next to the shorter catechism were a foundation on which rested all his future scholastic acquirements. Having obtained a moderate store of learning, he took up the ferule for himself in his native parish, teaching what is known in Scotland as a side school, until he was promoted to Athol. He did not remain long in this profession, removing to Dalkeith, where he became superintendent of a brewery.
In 1843 he turned his steps toward Canada, being recommended to come to Stratford by some of his acquaintances who had preceded him to North Easthope. During the autumn he reached Ellice, and located on the edge of that great swamp adjoining Stratford, where he resided until his death.
To one who spent his years in educating himself and others, life in the woods and that laborious work consistent with it must have been very distasteful. It is not surprising, therefore, that he soon turned his attention to other and more congenial pursuits. In 1846 he was appointed clerk and treasurer of Ellice, which position he retained till 1869. Mr Campbell's municipal career is somewhat singular. At one period he was clerk and treasurer of Ellice, clerk of Stratford, and county clerk at the same time.
He took an active part in organizing Perth County and in its separation from the United Counties of Huron, Perth and Bruce. With him were associated in this work Messrs. J. E. E. Linton and J. A. Scott, who also took a prominent part in the agitation. A great mass meeting was held in Mr Campbell's field to facilitate this movement, where funds were subscribed to enable Mr Linton to visit the Government for this desirable object. Mr Linton succeeded, the name Perth, which it formerly had in connection with the United Counties, being retained.
Mr Campbell was secretary of North Perth Agricultural Society, only resigning a year or two previous to his death. He was a fine type of manhood; in his later years somewhat portly, but most distinctly in his manner and deportment a representative Scotchman rather than a Canadian pioneer. Every idiosyncrasy apparent in his life and character was eminently one peculiar to a son of "ye ancient kingdom." He was a true friend, but not very demonstrative in his sympathies either by word or by action. Frequently taciturn, a strong peculiarity of his nature, his conduct might be considered gruff by those unacquainted with the character of this Gael.
During his residence in Dalkeith he married Mary C. Keiller, to whom were born six children. On his death in 1878, at the age of 73 years, Perth County lost one of her oldest and ablest municipal officers, an old pioneer, and a trustworthy and honourable man.
Meg Fuller Perth County Coordinator
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September 22, 2007
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