James E. Campbell

James Edwin Campbell ( * July 7, 1843 in Middletown, Ohio, † December 18, 1924 in Columbus, Ohio ) was an American politician (Democratic Party) and from 1890 to 1892 the 38th Governor of the state of Ohio.

Early years and political rise

James Campbell received a private school education and graduated from Miami University law thereafter. He participated as a soldier in the Union Army in the Civil War, but was released early for health reasons from military service. In 1865, Campbell was admitted to the bar. He then began to practice in his new profession in Hamilton.

Between 1876 and 1880, Campbell was district attorney in Butler County. From 1884 to 1889 he represented his state in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington. He was chairman of a committee which dealt with the alcohol question ( Committee on Alcoholic Liquor Traffic ). In 1889, he was elected governor of his state, where he has a 48.9 percent and a relative majority of Republican incumbent Joseph B. Foraker asserted itself ( 47.5 percent).

Governor of Ohio

James Campbell took office on 13 January 1890. In his two-year tenure, the election law was amended and introduced secret ballots. The universities were financially better off with the help of tax increases. The labor laws of the state have been improved in terms of the workers. In 1891, Campbell competed unsuccessfully for reelection. Therefore, he had to relinquish his post on January 11, 1892 to William McKinley.

Even after his governorship Campbell remained politically active. 1895 competed unsuccessfully for another term as governor. In the years 1892, 1920 and 1924 he was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions. Between 1908 and 1911 he was member of a commission to revise the laws of Ohio. James Campbell died in December 1924. He was married to Libby Owens, with whom he had four children. His uncle Lewis D. Campbell was also a politician.