Erasmus D. Campbell

Erasmus Daniel Campbell (January 11, 1811 – April 16, 1873) was an American Democratic politician who served as the 6th lieutenant governor of Wisconsin (1858–1860), and 2nd mayor of La Crosse, Wisconsin (1857–1858). In historical sources, he was sometimes referred to as "E. D. Campbell." In at least one source, he was incorrectly referred to as "Edward Campbell."

He is the namesake of Campbell, Wisconsin.

Biography

Erasmus D. Campbell was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and lived for a time in Connecticut. As a young man, he was active in the Rhode Island militia, and participated in the Dorr Rebellion in the early 1840s.

In 1857, Campbell was elected Mayor of La Crosse. As mayor, Campbell advocated for the building a work-house, the purchase and establishment of a poor farm, the construction of a city hall, a new jail, additional school houses, and other infrastructure improvements. Shortly after he took office, the City Council passed a bond measure to pay for an expanded city jail. The city selected and purchased a lot of farmland for a poor farm near Shelby. His year as mayor was ultimately marred by the Panic of 1857, in which Campbell lost a significant portion of his personal wealth and property. Campbell ran alongside Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Milwaukee Mayor James B. Cross.

Campbell defeated his opponent in the general election, Milwaukee abolitionist lawyer Carl Schurz, but his running-mate, Mayor Cross, was defeated by Republican Alexander Randall.

Personal life and legacy Erasmus Campbell married Hannah Rodman in 1815, at South Kingstown. They had nine children together, with six surviving to adulthood.

The town of Campbell in La Crosse County, was named after him.