My Genealogy Hound

David Levi Campbell. Among the best known agriculturists of Royal Oak township is David Levi Campbell, whose farm of 92 acres is located in sections 26 and 27. He was born in Oxford township, Oakland county, in 1847, and is a son of Welcome and Mary J. (Cheney) Campbell.

Welcome Campbell, who was born in Paris, Oneida County, New York, in 1810, and died November 11, 1888, in the village of Royal Oak, where he had been living a retired life for the 18 years preceding his death. He removed from New York State to Michigan in 1834, and located on a tract of 110 acres in Oxford township, Oakland County, that he bought of the government. He also conducted a lumber yard and general store at Oakwood, then known as Campbell’s Corner, until 1859, when he traded the property for farm land in Royal Oak township, in sections 26 and 27, a part of which property comprises our subject’s present farm. Retiring from active pursuits in 1870, he removed to the village of Royal Oak, and there lived until his death. While a resident of Oxford township, he had been a member of the Congregational Church, but on removing to Royal Oak he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Republican of strong convictions, and voted for Gen. John C. Fremont. Highly regarded as a citizen, he was elected to various township offices, in which he served with credit. Our subject’s mother was born in Penfield, New York, May 14, 1824, and is still living. Her parents, Warren and Lucy (Pelton) Cheney, were natives of Connecticut. Warren Cheney came to Michigan with his family in 1836, and located first in Wayne County, some miles west of Detroit. Two years later he removed to Oakland County, and located in Brandon township. Ten years before his death he moved to Goodrich, and ended his days there. There were 10 children in the parental family, as follows: Mary J., residing in Royal Oak township, who is the widow of John Felker; Harvey J., deceased; Martha A., deceased; David Levi, our subject; Lucinda S., deceased; Lorinda, who married Joseph B. Grow, of Royal Oak; Andrew C., who resides in Royal Oak; Lois Esther, deceased; and Albert W. and John L., who lives in Birmingham.

David Levi Campbell was educated in the district schools, and has been engaged in farming all his life. At the present time he is conducting his farm of 92 acres and at the same time keeping bees, which he has found to be very profitable. He is agent for the Monitor Insurance Company of Oakland County.

Mr. Campbell was married in 1870 to Julia H. Benjamin, who was born in Royal Oak township June 1, 1849, and is a daughter of John and Ruth (Warner) Benjamin, who were natives of New York State. Our subject and wife have been blessed with seven children, as follows: Levi W., deceased; Charles B.; J. William; Ruth A.; Welcome S., deceased; John D.; and Mary A., deceased. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Campbell is a steward and trustee. He is a Republican in politics, and has been justice of the peace in Royal Oak township.