John Thomas Campbell

John Thomas Campbell (1770–1830) was a public servant and politician in the New South Wales Legislative Council during the early Australian colonial period.

Early life Campbell was born in Ulster, Kingdom of Ireland in 1770. He was eldest son of Reverend William Campbell, vicar of Newry, County Armagh, Ireland, and his wife Mary Campbell (née McCammon). He and his brothers were educated at home by his father. From 1793 to 1795, he worked at the newly formed Bank of Ireland. For eleven years he was Macquarie's chief assistant in the administration of the colony, his intimate friend and loyal supporter. He was paid £282 10s by the British government, to which Macquarie added £82 10s from the colonial revenue.

Politics In 1824, Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane suggested his name for appointment to the new Legislative Council. In 1826, Governor (Sir) Ralph Darling made him a member of the Land Board, and of the Board for General Purposes constituted to reorganize the administrative offices of government. In April 1827, Darling appointed him collector of customs as well, in place of John Piper, at a salary of £1200, but he resigned from this post in December. He was replaced by Michael Cotton. In 1829, he became a member of the newly extended Legislative Council and served in the role until his death.

Private life As a private citizen, Campbell was a large landholder and a most efficient farmer and breeder of cattle and horses. In 1811, Macquarie granted him at Bringelly, and later he received a grant near Rooty Hill. He was also a large stock-holder in southern New South Wales.