Note 155 — Chapter XXII · SECOND RESIDENCE AT FORT UNION, FROM SEPTEMBER 29TH TO OCTOBER 30TH

Robert Campbell was born (1804) in County Tyrone, Ireland. Emigrating to America, he lived for a brief time in Philadelphia, but turning westward reached St. Louis some time in the year 1824. The following year, by a physician's advice, he visited the great plains in search of health, and having recuperated, embarked in the fur-trade with General Ashley, upon whose retirement (about 1830) Campbell became a prominent partner of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. His partnership with Soublette lasted through several years. It was in the year of Maximilian's visit (1833) that the new firm entered into competition with the American Fur Company upon the upper Missouri. About 1835 Campbell withdrew from personal supervision of the interior trading parties, and settled in St. Louis, where he became a prominent merchant and banker. He was largely instrumental in promoting the volunteer movement in Missouri at the outbreak of the Mexican War, personally superintending the equipment and preparation of regiments. Campbell was well and favorably known throughout the West, where his draughts were accepted as readily as those of the United States government. The latter employed him as commissioner in Indian negotiations—in 1851 with Father De Smet, and again in 1869. His generosity and hospitality were widely noted. He died at his St. Louis home in 1879.—Ed.