Ann Williamson Clark

b. 15 December 1801, d. 8 September 1885

Ann Williamson Clark Campbell, 1801-1885
Courtesy of the Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas
  • Ann Williamson Clark was born on 15 December 1801 in Georgia.
  • She was known as Nancy.
  • She married John Wesley Campbell, son of Archibald Campbell and Rebecca Kirk, on 26 March 1822 in Baldwin County, Georgia.
  • John Wesley Campbell and Ann Williamson Clark appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1840 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Other (counted but unnamed) members of the household apparently included Susan Mary Campbell, Clark Calhoun Campbell, Samuel D. Campbell, Ann Clark Campbell, John Wesley Campbell and Marcus L. Campbell. This family matches except (1) "Eddie" is not included (may not have been born until after census), and (2) there is one extra male aged 20-29.
  • Eddie Eliza Campbell wrote to Evelina Barnes Wood on 10 February 1850, ". . . nothing has reached us but sorrow and distress, since you left. Last Sunday we had a letter from Archibald with the mellancholly tidings of Brother Johns death, which happened about a week after Susan Mary reached home. We had heard no intimation of his ill health, until after SM got there, she wrote to Mr F that she found them all looking very well but her Father and that she felt uneasy about him. It seems that the day he died he had ate more heartily than usual, walked into the field, returned about sunset, was taken with violent vomiting, which they could not check, he got to bed, and after a while he sunk into a stupor. They supposed he was sleeping until they noticed some thing peculiar in his respiration, he died immediately, by 10 Oclock it was all over. It all seems so strange that I cannot feel reconciled to it. We have heard nothing from the family, but I should not be surprised if they were all to come back with Susan Mary. They have truly lost their guide, and director, and my heart bleeds for all, but most for the poor little children, the older ones ought to be able to help themselves, but they know nothing but to spend. Susan Mary is the only one that feels the least self denial. I am thankful she went, I know it was a comfort to her Father as well as to herself."
  • Eddie Eliza Campbell wrote to Evelina Barnes Wood on 25 February 1850, "We have not heard one word from Sister Anns family, since we received Archibalds letter announcing poor Brother Johns death, all the particulars I gave you in a former letter. I feel extremely anxious to know what their plans are for the future, poor Sister Ann was so determined to return last summer that I cannot but expect her back. The cholera rages most violently on Red river, and Brother Isaac says he very much questions whether Susan Mary will be able to return this summer. Oh, that you all could have found it to your interest to have remained here, the result might have been different, but who can tell, it might have been the same, death is confined to no place or circumstances."
  • Ann Williamson Clark appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, enumerated next to Ann's son Clark and his family.. Other members of the household included John Wesley Campbell, Marcus L. Campbell, Ann Clark Campbell, Edwin Eliza Campbell, Archibald Rowland Campbell, Douglas McQueen Campbell, Frances Rebecca Campbell and Samuel D. Campbell. (Note the Thomas T. Williamson & family living next door, connection not yet found.)
  • On Wednesday, 16 July 1856, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Campbell and the children and Mr. Powell left this evening on a visit to Abercrobie's and [Folks], Waverly." And on Monday, the 21st, "Mrs. W. and Mrs. Campbell returned home from their visit."
  • On Saturday, 2 August 1856, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Sent 8 hands to help John Campbell raise a Gin house," and on Saturday, the 29th, "Sent 8 hands to help raise Screw for John Campbell."
  • Green Wood recorded in his book of Misc. Financial & Slave Records, the account of John W. Campbell from 5 November 1855 to February 1857 was settled on 25 February 1857, offset in part by work done for at Greenwood by Ann Campbell's blacksmith Esau.
  • On Friday, 3 July 1857, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Mrs W & Mrs Campbell started on a visit to Abercrombie's & to Waverly."
  • On Sunday, 12 July 1857, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Mrs Campbell's BlackSmith worked last week in my shop 6 days at $2 per day." And on Saturday, the 25th, "Esau the Blacksmith has worked three weeks Ironing two waggons."
  • On Saturday, 25 July 1857, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: Green Wood recorded: "Esau the Blacksmith has worked three weeks Ironing two waggons."
  • Green Wood recorded in his book of Misc. Financial & Slave Records, an accounting for Ann Campbell for February 1857 through 29 March 1858, offset entirely by work done for Green by her blacksmith Esau.
  • On Friday, 14 January 1859, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "8 hands worked all day on the foard of the creek on the road to Mrs. Campbell's. . . ."
  • Green Wood recorded in his book of Misc. Financial & Slave Records, an accounting for Ann Campbell for April through November 1858 (butter, hams, lard, beef, &c), offset almost entirely by work done for Green by her blacksmith Esau through 2 April 1859.
  • On Wednesday, 1 June 1859, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Esau has worked three days."
  • On Saturday, 7 April 1860, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Esau has worked in the shop all Week."
  • John Wesley Campbell appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Texas. Other members of the household included Ann Williamson Clark, Archibald Rowland Campbell, Douglas McQueen Campbell and Frances Rebecca Campbell. J. W. Campbell is listed in the 1860 Slave Schedule with 40 slaves (11 of whom were age 10 and younger, and 3 of whom were age 60 and older) and 8 slave houses. Living adjacent is William Barnes "Bose" Campbell, age 26, born in Alabama, son of Elizabeth A. Barnes Campbell, sister of Green Wood's wife Evelina.
  • On Saturday, 2 June 1860, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Esaw worked her Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday."
  • On Friday, 15 June 1860, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Working road to Mrs. Campbell's."
  • Josephine Brooks Tainter wrote to Evelina Barnes Wood on 26 August 1860, ". . . I suppose Mrs Eddie Williams will reside in Galveston next winter - it will be pleasant for [her sister] Mrs J Williams, Remember me kindly to Mrs Campbell - Fannie, & say to Mrs Williams (if she is at her mothers) I should like to see her now, with her babe - it must be quite a pet with all the family. . . ."
  • Green Wood recorded in his book of Misc. Financial & Slave Records, an accounting for Ann Campbell for May 1859 through February 1861 (hams, seed potatoes, board & tuition for Miss Fanney C.), offset entirely by work done for Green by her blacksmith Esau from April 1859 through 15 June 1861.
  • The following appeared on 16 April 1862 in The Tri-Weekly Telegraph:
    Ed. Telegraph--I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following articles, contributed for the Hempstead Hospital, by the ladies of Danville and Waverly, through Mrs. Major Green Wood, of Danville, Montgomery county:
         278 lbs. lard, 160 lbs. ham, 40 lbs. soap, 6 doz. candles, 88 lbs. butter, 93 doz. eggs, 2 calico spreads, 2 comforts, 12 mattrasses, 30 sheets, 27 pillows, 40 pillow cases, 40 towels, donated by the following persons:
         Mrs. Mayfield, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Spiller, Mrs. Sessum, Miss Sarah L. Davis, Mrs. Green M. Wood, Mrs. J. M. Leivi, Mrs. Geo. Redding, Mrs. Major Redding, Mrs. Maj. Green Wood, Mrs. McGarr, Mrs. Charles Abercrombie, Mrs. Tryler, Mrs. Dr. Carr, Mrs. W. B. Scott, Miss Thompson, Mrs. Tabb, Mrs. Richard Williams, Waverly; Mrs. Col. Campbell, do; Mrs. Dr. Campbell, do; Mrs. Dr. Scott, do; Mrs. Col. Jno. Hill, do; Mrs. John C. Abercrombie, do; Mrs. Laura A. Scott, do; Mrs. Wm. B. Wood, Danville; Mrs. Wynne, do; Master Solomon Wood; Major Green Wood's servant[s], 31 doz. eggs; Mrs. Green Wood, cash, $10; Miss Sarah L. Davis, $10; Mrs. Dr. Stewart, $5.
                        Mrs. C. A. Groce,
                    Principal Hempstead Hospital.
    Hempstead, April 10th, 1862.
  • On Saturday, 30 August 1862, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Esau worked on Screw Irons today."
  • On Wednesday, 15 October 1862, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Esau has worked five days making Nails, 3-1/2 pounds per day."
  • Green Wood recorded in his book of Misc. Financial & Slave Records, an accounting for Ann Campbell for February through 29 November 1862, primarly credit for work done for Green by her blacksmith Esau, offset by a few minor items provided (vinegar, peas, and shoes for Douglas Campbell), and paid in full by Green ($160.00).
  • On Monday, 18 May 1863, Green Wood recorded in his plantation daily account book: "Sent four hands to Mrs. Campbell's to shear sheep."
  • Green Wood recorded in his book of Misc. Financial & Slave Records, an accounting for Ann Campbell for April through 19 September 1863, primarly credit for work done for Green by her blacksmith Esau, offset by a few minor items including hams and woven cloth, and "burying" four boxes of peach seeds.
  • John Wesley Campbell and Sarah Louise Davis appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Clear Creek, Harris County, Texas. Other members of the household included Ann Williamson Clark, Emeline L. Campbell and John Clark Campbell.
  • Ann Williamson Clark wrote to George Gray McWhorter:
    My Dear George,
         For so I must call you as the only surviving child of your much loved Mother -- your letter has awakened the tenderest remembrances of bye gone years & set both head & heart to throbing -- you ask for the particulars of the life & character of my venerated grad father Genl Elijah Clark -- all of which I should have been able to give had not my fathers papers & letters & all been destroyed in 1843 by fire -- Now I have simply a brief sketch. . . .
         I know not to whom to refer you for more information than I can give. Cousin Edward Clark now lives at Marshall, he is the son of my fathers brother & may be able to give you some items I will enclose him your letter with a request that he anser you at once -- nearly all the family have passed away & having just completed my 70th year can but feel that my stay will soon end -- But you will I am sure ever cherish the rembrance of our loved ones and do all in your power to preserve the good name of your ancestors -- you say you are a lawyer are married & have a son & two daughters how much I would like to see yourself & family -- all of my children are married & have families except one son Douglas -- Clark & arcus are physicians in Galveston Archie is a lawyer with the firm Tucker & Campbell Galveston -- he forwarded your letter to me & will promptly answer any inquiry you may wish to make -- I shall be always glad to hear of your well doing & hope that prosperity & success will attend your every effort --
         Affectionately yours, AWC
         Excerpted from a draft kept by Ann Campbell, written during the winter of 1871-1872. Minimal punctuation added by the transcriber to enhance readability.
  • The following appeared on 11 December 1875 in the Augusta Daily Chronicle & Sentinel: (from the Atlanta Constitution) "It will be a matter of interest to some of our citizens to learn that Miss Clark, grand-daughter of ex-Governor John Clark, of Georgia, is in the city for the purpose of having copied the portrait of her grandfather, the said John Clark, from the collection of portraits of illustrious Georgians which embellish the representative hall of the State Capitol. The only daughther [sic] of Governor Clark, well known as the brilliant Mrs. John A. Campbell, now lives in Texas. Many of her father's and husband's old friends met her last Winter while on a visit to her relative, Mrs. John Neal, of this city. Among them was Col. William H. Sparks, he of the 'Memories of Fifty Years,' who had not met her since her bridal night, when he acted as one of the attendants."
  • Douglas McQueen Campbell and Ella Abercrombie Wood appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1880 in Montgomery County, Texas. Other members of the household included Ann Williamson Clark, Sarah Patterson Campbell, Emeline L. Campbell, John William Campbell and Evelina Alexander Barnes. Emma was the daughter of Douglas' widowed brother John W., and Sarah and John W. were the children of their deceased brother Marcus.
  • Circa 1884, Susan Mary Clark wrote to Ann Williamson Clark:
         Atlanta Ga, April 26th
    My dear Aunt Campbell,
         Mrs Mims came around, upon her arrival, and brought me your very welcome letter herself. She was perfectly delighted with the entire clan Campbell, and particularly yourself. She says you are perfectly superb, and elegant. I told her of the compliment you paid her in your letter to me, and she was extremely gratified and delighted. She said it was very valuable praise from such a source. I am sorry the Major was not with her, for he is as elegant and superior as a Man as she is as a Woman. They are quite a remarkable pair. She regretted not seeing Cousin Clarke, and Mattie Wrenn. The cold weather and hard times have greatly crippled Mr M's business and he is anxious to again resume the lumber business. He thinks there is an uncommonly good prospect for making money now by shipping lumber to Aspinwall, and to Colon, and if he can raise the money he will go into it, but though only requiring two or three thousand dollars, money is so scarce in this section that I am afraid he can not get it. A great many of his customers have defrauded him of their debts, and he is discouraged with his present business. It was all conducted on credit, and all exporting to the towns within two or three hundred miles of Atlanta. If the people would have paid their debts, the business would have been as profitable as he could have required. He is now anxious to sell out, if he can. He has always been accustomed to a large commercial business, and that style of business suits him better than any thing else, but he will be compelled to be controlled by circumstances. Mrs Mims made me long to see you and the entire family. If any one of my Cousins ever come near Atlanta do send them to me. Mrs. Connally (Senator Joe Browns daughter) left on Saturday for the Exposition and then for Texas . . .
         End of fourth and final page of the existing letter; the year is not specified. Minimal punctuation added by the transcriber to enhance readability.
  • Circa February 1885, Carrie (?) wrote to Ann Williamson Clark:
    Dear Grandma, Had I been immortal I could have gotten to see you the day I left -- but I could not get through the key hole and upon my word I could not get through the door --
         I hope you will have good health and happiness and your same kind greeting for me when I return
         We are nicely situated, very comfortable and the children seem very well -- The children attract attention every where and are much admired -- too much for their good. The Cobbs are brim full & running over with good nature and happiness and I have found it contagious
         Love for all, Lovingly Yours, Carrie
         Minimal punctuation added by the transcriber to enhance readability.
  • On 1 March 1885, Carrie (?) wrote to Ann Williamson Clark:
         Mar 1st, Greensboro
    My dear Grandma,
         Your nice letter came this morning -- the mails are very irregular now. I had not looked for an answer and was so "proud" as my mammy would say to get it.
         We are all getting on as well as we can without Seth. the children are bad enough to keep me so fully occupied that I have not much time for loneliness -- The kind people here think they must show their affection by many & repeated visits and if I can live through it I will be fortunate.
         We had a nice visit from the Bishop and all his old love and interest in me were apparent. he claims Seth for his god child gave me some good kind talks and "cud to chew" for many a day He seemed to me as far above the ordinary human mass as he did to me in my earliest days.
         I trust Mr Archie's loss will not be so serious as he first thought and that the compromise will be made -- a little more or less money makes little difference to me and I believe I am not unlike other happy mothers and wives -- but it is hard to see the toil of good men swept away by speculating & etc.
         It was in this country that I spent my childhood and innocent girl hood -- had a large and handsome fortune duped from me -- and "my kinsmen stood afar off" not knowing or caring to know my fate -- for years to the entire care of strangers -- this knowledge will ever be to me more bitter than the loss of a fortune and makes me tremble now as I see my own health failing each day. I am so full of youth and vitality that I am sure I will regain my health -- and then I will be most happy to see you good people again.
         I was sorry to hear about Miss Patties sickness and the little baby -- when the baby is there to cheer all seems bearable -- I love Mrs Archie very dearly and cannot but feel interested in all that is near to her -- my love to her when she returns, and love to dear Uncle Campbell and his family -- to Uncle Campbell please say I am just finishing his medicine and will write in about a week. and many thanks for your kindness in answering my letter which was to explain that it was not forgetfulness that caused me to neglect saying "Good bye."
         Your loving friend, Carrie
         Minimal punctuation added by the transcriber to enhance readability.
  • While "Carrie" addresses Ann Williamson Clark Campbell as "Grandma" in her two letters, it appears that the relationship was more complicated, and her parents have not yet been identified.
  • On 18 April 1885, Amanda M. Kilbee wrote to Ann Williamson Clark:
    My Dear Sister,
         It has been a long time since I wrote you but I always love dearly to hear from you and all your children. Twice Susie has sent me your letters to read which I assure you gave me great pleasure to hear how all yr children and grand children were getting along, My own children are all well, Eliza & Annie C are at home with me. Susie you know is in Atlanta and Mattie is still living in Selma Ala. My two Sons are still in the cotton business and seem to be doing very well. John has five Children, all well but the youngest, which is quite a delicate child, we think from having whooping caught when very young. He is nearly two years old. All the Johnstons and Mrs. Butler are well, but Mrs. Butler health is very poor generally. Carrie Johnston, now Mrs. Duncan, has a Son. I have just written to Susie and enclosed a letter from my sister Mrs. Myrick who lives in Marianna, in which Col. McLennan asks for your address. He is a lawyer living in Marianna and says he thinks your Fathers Estate own about 1000 (one thousand) acres of land which has been lately sold to the R R company and that if proper steps were taken would be worth something to his Gen Clarks heirs, unless Bared by the Statute of limitation, Tell Archie it will be something he can look into. I am sorry I do not know his first name or his enitials -- but will send your address this afternoon and hope you will soon hear from him. Have you the titles to the one acre reserved around the grave lot? I have none, and if you have you may want to have them on a new record or to have the claim well substanciated, My own health is very good, only I have a cough which gives me some trouble occasionally. I shall hope to hear from you soon, and with good success to all parties -- and believe me ever your loving sister, A. M. Ruan
         The envelope is addressed to Mrs. A. W. Campbell, Care A. R. Campbell, Esq., Galveston, Texas, and pencilled in another hand on the face of the envelope, "Mrs. Amanda Ruan, Macon, Georgia." Minimal punctuation added by the transcriber to enhance readability.
  • Ann Williamson Clark died on 8 September 1885 at age 83 in Willis, Montgomery County, Texas, at the home of her son Douglas.
  • The following appeared on 9 September 1885 in the Galveston Daily News: [Died] At Willis, Tex., September 8, Mrs. Ann W. Campbell, mother of Dr. C. C. and Archie R. Campbell, Esq., of Galveston; John Campbell, of Danville, and D. M. Campbell, of Willis, Tex; Mrs. John H. Williams, of Baltimore, and Mrs. Robert Goree, of Knox county, Texas. Deceased was a daughter of ex-Governor Clark, of Georgia. She had resided in Louisiana some years before coming to Texas, some thirty years ago. Her family connections were unusually large and widely disseminated through the South. She was in the 84th year of her age. She was a lady of rare intelligence and mental force, which she preserved to the very last. She expired purely from the effects of age, and departed without a struggle, preserving her consciousness and composure to the last. She leaves many warm friends in Galveston as well as elsewhere, her long life, family associations, and amiable and interesting character endearing her to all with whom she became acquainted, and making her the idol of her descendants and relations.
  • The following appeared on 15 September 1885 in the Galveston Daily News: The Willis Index prints an extended obituary of the venerable Mrs. Ann W. Campbell, who died in that place last week. It says: Mrs. Campbell, who was the only daughter of Governor John Clarke, of Georgia, who was prominent in the politics of that State more than half a century ago, was born in the "Red Old Hills of Georgia," December 15, 1801. During the incumbency of her father she did the honors of the executive mansion with dignity grace and affability which won all hearts and added greatly to the popularity of the governor. She married Colonel John W. Campbell, and all her after-life has justified the promise of her girlhood. Left a widow with many children, she reared and educated them to be an honor to their mother, and, as she was, an ornament to society. Mrs. Campbell was the mother of twelve children, nine of whom lived to be married. No Spartan mother ever cared more faithfully for her household jewels than did she for the loved ones who formed her family circle. As a natural result her children fondly loved and deeply revered their tender mother, whose beautifully consistent life was one long and truthful exemplification of all the christian virtues. Rev. S. N. Barker conducted the burial services in a highly impressive manner, after which the venerable Dr. J. E. Scott, who had known deceased from his earliest childhood, made a few touching remarks upon the life and character of his departed friend.
  • Research Note: In Family Mosaic, Eddie Sue Goree, niece of John and Douglas Campbell paints a sorry picture of her uncles, but it is important to note that her knowledge and/or memory of her Campbell family was quite imperfect. For example, while there is hard evidence that Ann Campbell and sons Clark (and family), John, and Douglas settled in Montgomery County after leaving Louisiana in the mid-1850s, she states that "they settled at Clear Creek, near Galveston, and called their plantation 'Killiecrankie' after a place in Scotland."
  • Last Edited: 6 May 2015

Family: John Wesley Campbell b. 20 March 1794, d. 23 January 1850