Campbell family history, 1715-1973

Campbell family history compiled from Thomas Campbell, Sr. The book was a limited run publication for family members. It is unknown how many copies remain in existence. Below is the introduction from Arthur Price Campbell:

The Campbell family is among the forty-nine "best families" selected by the American Historical-Genealogical Society for whom the Society has published family histories during the past few years. The Campbell family has been prominent in the British Empire and in the United States, its members having played important roles in war and in peace. Family pride is a commendable trait and should be cultivated. All Campbells have just cause to be proud of their family history and traditions.

The oldest spelling of Campbell (that in Ragman Roll, A.D. 1296) is Cambel or Kambel. Gaelic etymologists deduce the name from "cambeul," which means "crooked mouth." By other authorities it is said to be derived from the family name of the wife of Malcolm, and ancient ancestor of the Campbells. He went to France where he married the heiress of the house of Beauchamp, neice of William, Duke of Normandy. Beauchamp, translated, became Campus-bellus, from which was derived Campbellus and finally Campbell.

Though it is not certain whether the name be of Norman or Gaelic origin, it is true that the clan bearing it are the most numerous and powerful in the Highlands. Formerly, under their chiefs, --- the earls, marquise and dukes of Argyll, --- they could muster 5,000 fighting men, who were usually arrayed against the Stuarts. Their superior influence and power made them feared by the other clans.