Campbell Family Tree and interesting Tid-bits

The Jasper Hampton Campbell family can be traced back to Captain James Campbell who was born in Campbelltown Scotland about 1720.

Campbeltown Scotland Photo courtesy of Undiscovered Scotland

He came to Charles Town(Charleston) first and then was contracted to build the second fort at the Congarees located somewhere near Granby and Cayce by the river. This information comes from the research of Genealogist Beiman Otis Prince.  There was a Fort 1 and Fort 2 at the Congarees and were the first establishments in the Columbia area.  I find this so interesting, especially so since I live in the area not far from where my great, great, great, great Grandfather walked this land.

Ancestry tree courtesy of Florence Keels

Another interesting tidbit to note is that Leesburg Road ( primary road in Richland county) got it's name from the Leesburg Plantation which was also owned by my Grandfather Jasper Hampton Campbell.  Leesburg Road led to the plantation which was primarily a cotton plantation.  Laurelwood was the Campbell's summer home because it was cooler there with the breeze coming from the river.  The Leesburg Plantation burned to the ground due to a fire from the wood stove chimney.  When I was little it was a favorite story of mine to hear about the day the house burned down.  My Daddy recalls a man riding up on horseback early in the morning yelling to my Grandafther "Mr. Campbell!  Your house is on fire!!!"The family all got out and watched the house burn to the ground as there was not enough water or time to save it.  The family then made their permanent home at Laurelwood.  

Creating this blog has been a great experience for me.  My desire to keep Laurelwood and the history and memories alive has led to some wonderful connections.  Recently I was contacted by a second cousin who lives thousands of miles away who sent me these photos.  Below are my aunts and some cousins and 2nd cousins. Esther, who was kind enough to share these with me is seated in the chair below. This photo was taken in 1979. Esther was 5 years old.

Photo courtesy of Esther Hoffman

Here is my Aunt Margaret on the front porch of the Big House.  I think that is a camellia bush blooming behind her.  They used to take such pride in the yards and gardens.  There was always something blooming.

Photo courtesy of Esther Hoffman

This photo below is my Daddy.  He returned home to the Big House in 1969 or 1970 and lived there until 1994.  He helped care for my aunts until one by one they died.  My Aunt Margaret was the last of the aunts to pass away. When she died as the sole owner, my Daddy continued to live in the house until the rest of the family decided that it should be sold.  My Daddy was the last Campbell to occupy the Big House.

Photo courtesy of Esther Hoffman

The below photo of my Daddy really tugs at my heart.  I miss him a lot.  Thank you Esther for sharing these great photos with me.  They are a precious gift!

My Daddy courtesy of Esther Hofman