Robert Campbell (Wisconsin politician)
Robert Campbell (November 2, 1841 – after 1880) was a British-born American immigrant, businessman, and Wisconsin politician who helped settle Monroe County. He served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1880, representing Monroe County’s 2nd district as a Republican.
Born in Carlisle, England, he moved with his parents to the United States and settled in Portage, Wisconsin, in 1849. At 14, he began an apprenticeship in a printing office, working on the Badger State and State Register newspapers. In 1868 he started a grocery business with Charles P. Austin, called Austin & Campbell; he soon sold his share to John Gates but stayed on as an employee. Around 1870 their firm leased a store in Glendale, Monroe County, and Campbell was sent there to manage it. Later he partnered with James R. Lyon and ran the Glendale store as Lyon & Campbell.
Campbell was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1879 from Monroe County’s 2nd district as a Republican. He served in the 1880 session and did not seek re-election. His sister, Mary J. Campbell, married his former business partner Charles P. Austin.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:24 (CET).