Campbell, Thomas M. Troy Daily News1928 Company B 71^{st OVI}

Thomas M. Campbell, 88, former mayor of Troy and for many years a leading attorney here, died in Denver at 1 PM Monday, according to word received by his nephew, Wade Shilling.

The body will be brought to Troy and taken to the Shilling funeral parlors on West Main street. The funeral services will be conducted at 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon in the first Baptist church, the past, Rev. A.W. West, officiating. It is likely that the GAR of which he was a member, will have a part in the services. Burial will be made in Riverside cemetery.

Mr. Campbell left Roy several years ago to be with his son, Carleton W. Campbell and family who at that time resided in Spokane. They later removed to Denver and he accompanied them there. He came to Troy some too or three years ago and spent a year with this sister, the late Mr. Alice McKinley, and then returned to Denver where he has since made this home. His physical health had not been good for some time and much of the time he had hospital care. Mentally, however, he was still alert, despite his advanced age, and he kept in touch with his friends and with current events.

Thomas M. Campbell was born near Pyrmont, Montgomery County, and received his education in the district school there. Finishing his schooling, for a time he taught school. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Company B, 71st Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for more than three years, receiving his honorable discharge at Nashville, Tenn. Dec. 3, 1864, having been promoted to a first sergeancy. He participated in the battle s of Shiloh, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Georgia, and Franklin. Tenn. and many less important engagements. His vigorous constitution enabled him to pass through the hardship and dangers fully. He was proud of his record of never having been wounded or having been in a hospital, and that he was never excused from duty.

After the war he again engaged in teaching and in business in Preble and Darke counties, and later took up the study of law, attending the University of Michigan law school at Ann Arbor. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar and in the following years – just a half a century ago – he settled in Troy and began the practice of his profession here. He early won the reputation of being an able and dependable attorney and many clients entrusted him with their affairs over a long period of years. He was also interested in politics, being a stalwart Republican. He served several terms as city solicitor, and served two terms as mayor of Troy in the early nineties. He was active in civic affairs and had several important business connections.

He took an active interest in various fraternal organizations and was especially prominent in Masonry, being a past master of Franklin lodge, F.&A.M., past high priest of Franklin Chapter, R.A.M., and pas commander of Coleman commandery, Knights Templar.

He was for many years connected with the First Baptist church, being long one of the deacons of the church and serving as moderator. For many years he taught an adult Bible class.

His sterling integrity was perhaps his outstanding characteristic. He was , besides, of a tolerant, kindly nature and did not permit advancing age to narrow his interests, but rather he gained an increased broad outlook on life. He was a constant reader, given to meditation, and was an interesting companion. While his generation has largely passed, there remain many who remember him with affection, despite his long absence.

In 1889 he was united in marriage with Miss Clara E. Shilling, who died May 23, 1907, leaving on son, Carleton W. This son, his wife, formerly Miss Maude Chase, and their two children survive. A brother, John M. Campbell, also long prominent in Troy and Miami county, passed away a decade or more ago and the sister, Mrs. Alice, preceding him several months.