Category Archives: This Week in History

Campbell House First Opens 70 Years Ago!

Seventy years ago today the opening of the Campbell House Museum was reported with lavish full-color (it was 1943) photo story in the Post-Dispatch. Here it is:

THE COLOR CAMERA AT THE CAMPBELL HOUSE,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Sunday, February 28, 1943

“A picture of life as it was lived in St. Louis a century ago is afforded visitors to the Campbell House, situated at 1508 Locust street, which through the efforts of the Campbell House Foundation, has been restored to its original elegance and opened to the public. The house was built in 1851 by Robert Campbell, who made a fortune as a fur trader, and in it were entertained many visiting celebrities of the day, including General Grant.

After the death of the last of the three Campbell sons, none of whom married, the house was inherited by Yale University. The Campbell House Foundation, a group of interested citizens who wanted to preserve the house as a landmark, started raising funds for the purpose. Stix, Baer and Fuller Company purchased the house for the Foundation, and funds contributed were used to restore it. The original furnishings and authentic decorations have served completely to restore both the appearance and the character of the house.”

Today of course 70 years of research has revealed that Robert Campbell did not build the house (he and his family moved in three years later) and the “original elegance” referred to in the article was really just a 2oth century conception of a mid-19th century interior (just as an example, all that bright white woodwork would have never worked in a coal soot filled house). Click the images to read the original captions and enjoy a look back at the first revelation of a real St. Louis treasure.

Make 2013 your date to visit Campbell House, be it for the first or the tenth time, there is always something new and interesting to learn from our superlative docents and students. Find our hours and more info here https://www.campbellhousemuseum.org/

This Week in History: February 21

This week we have a letter to Virginia from her mother, Lucy Kyle. Lucy was a Quaker and an abolitionist, and this note features some discussion about how Robert helped transport the three slaves she received from her husband’s estate to freedom. (It looks like a lot of text; it is. Lucy has a rambling, chatty style of writing and she was not fond of paragraphs or wasting a bit of blank paper.….see the images of the original below the transcription.)

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Raleigh February 25th 1842
My dear Virginia,
I regretted very much that I had not time to write you by Caroline and still more that I had nothing pretty to send you. I sent about a hundred messages by her. I told her she was to take a week to deliver them all. The cause of my being so busy was to prepare Ben & Linda for their removal. I could not let them go from under my hands without being well clothed and well fixed, and they had all their little arrangements to make after we received Mr. Campbell’s last letters. They had to sell off all their furniture and old things, which was as valuable to them as ours is to us. Say to Mr. Campbell this was the principle reason why I could not get them off sooner. And then I had two or three letters to write about them which was obliged to be written. Did Caroline tell you I wrote two letters after nine o’clock? My dear Virginia you certainly have one of the best husbands in the world and I now think more of him than ever for his kindness in taking charge of them from Baltimore to Wheeling etc. I have not heard from them yet but expect sister Mary [Lucy’s older sister and wife to Thomas Terrell] will write soon after their arrival. My mind is relieved of a great burden since they have left and I do rejoice that they are in a country where they can enjoy religious & civil liberty and I have placed them among those who I know will befriend them in case of necessity. It really did my heart good to hear Mr. Litchford tell how happy they all were on the road. He says it was remarked by many of the passengers that they were the happiest coloured family they had ever seen, I received your letter of the 13th inst. this morning I am glad to hear you were so happy and contented with your friends during Mr. C’s absence, though I always knew that you are perfectly at home anywhere, you are very different from me in this respect, I hope I shall hear of your boarding in some retired pleasant boarding house and that you will not remain at the Planters hotel, Raleigh seems to be in the greatest state of excitement I have ever known in, revivals of religion in the different churches, the temperance cause is still going ahead, the 22 inst. was celebrated by the temperance society and a more glorious day Raleigh never saw. 300 members marched in procession through the town, had a meeting in the morning, one in the afternoon and at night, I attended in the afternoon and at night heard many interesting addresses, one from Mr. McQueen with his experience, the good that this society is doing even in this little town no tongue can tell, there is a temperance paper published here, several marriages on corpet, James McPheeters is expected with his bride, the 5th of March, they are to be married at six in the morning proceed directly to Petersburg remain there one day and then on to Raleigh

Dr. McKee & Susan battle are to be married Tuesday week and report says + I have no doubt but it is true, that Emma Snow and Mr. Peter Hines are to be married on the 15th of March it is said that he has only been courting her one week I had it from good authority, he is cousin or uncle of Susan Hines, he is said to be a first rate man in every respect very pious very wealth has settled $50,000 on his little son about five years old is a young widower lives down the country somewhere but spends a great deal of his time in Raleigh. Susan Hines’ father has bought Edmond Freemans house, Susan + her sister + Susan Polk + Mordacai and others were confirmed a week or two since. Sister Elizabeth is still in Richmond. Mother’s health is very delicate and feeble she has been very sick is getting a little better, in consequence of which it is uncertain when she will visit us. I must write a few lines to Mr. C. so will conclude.
As ever your affectionate mother,
L A Kyle

My dear Son,
I assure you that your last letter from Baltimore afforded me the greatest pleasure. Your kindness and attention to Ben, Linda & Robert will ever be remembered with gratitude, I am sorry that you do not seem to understand my letters instead of me not understanding you, I think I thanked you for your good advice to me in regard to Eleanor and yet you say that you offended me, I think this was a wrong interpretation, and what you said about brothers + sisters I laughed heartily and took it as a joke and returned it in the same spirit. You need not be afraid to write to me on that score for I can read your heart in your letters, and perhaps I am not so dull of apprehension as you think, however I am very willing to try the test of a more personal acquaintance and hope to do so yet, I think I shall be the gainer and you the loser, Mr. Campbell. Will you do me the favour to inform me of the exact amount of Ben, Linda & Roberts expenses from Baltimore to Mount Pleasant. Mr. Litchford’s accounts as rendered to Mr. McKimmon for the whole expense of journey and his $2 per day for six days amounted to $136. I handed it to Mr. McKimmon exactly half of the whole, $68 being as near my part as I could well come at.
Your sincere friend + mother LA Kyle

Mr. Campbell the reason I sent you Via money was there cold be no checks yet on the north, and I thought that would pass at your par in Baltimore in preference to N.C. but I have heard since that Via money was at a large discount. Did you have to lose much on it. I am going to write you a long letter entirely on business some of these days. Virginia I want you to tell Caroline that I keep my room in private. I do not allow anyone to come into it except little Virginia, only on a visit. It is a pleasure and amusement to me to attend to V. and my own room. You must tell them all three they must try to do all that I told them. I think if you are strict with little Hasz or put him with someone who will attend to him that he will be more valuable than Simeon. Simeon has contracted many bad faults. Caroline’s greatest faults are slothfulness & slovenny.

This Week in History: January 2

Jeff City January 6th 1849

My Dear Virginia

I last evening received your welcome and interesting letter with your list of visitors and what was still more acceptable the lock of hair of our dear little Hugh which I saluted as you intended — I handed the letter for the perusal of Mrs. Morrow who was much pleased. So you see we have been doubly benefited by your letter.

I find myself still circumstanced as when I last wrote you, that is, contending against unprincipled politicians who resort to every means to accomplish their ends — a little more than a week will let me off and I care very little what the result may be compared with getting off from here as I am heartily tired of being away from home.

I room with Col. Ballou a member of the H of Rep and a very gentlemanly man — Dr. Forbes and myself stay in the same bed so that there are three of us in the same room.

Genl. Sterling Price is now here and is an active friend of mine. T. Polk is here in opposition to me electioneering as is also Jn. H. Watson but I would rather have him against me than for me as he has no influence nor standing here that could do me injury. I cannot tell with any greater certainty of the result than when I last wrote you — my friends think favorably of my prospects and no doubt my opponents feel equally sanguine of their success — I neither hope nor fear, but wish most anxiously to have it determined.

You must be very careful about the cholera altho I trust it will not visit us now, and especially whilst I am from home — some of the young men at the store or Jeff Camp will get a man to clean out the back House which had better be done during the cold freezing weather which will render it less offensive.

I dine at Judge Morrows tomorrow and the day after is set apart for the celebration of the 8th of Jany battle at N. Orleans. We are to have a grand procession, and orations Sat. H. Birch is to be the orator and I am told he is very able so I may anticipate some variety.

I have kept this open for an hour or two to see if I can get any news by mail but I will not delay longer.

I don’t yet hear of William having left for the East.

My love to all. Kiss Jimmie and Hugh for me.

Yours affectionately,

Robert Campbell

This Week in History: December 4

This week, Virginia receives a letter from her brother-in-law, Walter Otey. Walter is married to Virginia’s sister Eleanor (referred to as “Ellen” in this letter), and he not a very popular member of the Campbell or Kyle families. Virginia and Eleanor’s mother, Lucy, has referred to him in a letter as a “Demon clothed in human flesh,” as much for his personality as his occupation as a slave trader. Take a look at this letter — what do you think of Walter?

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Raleigh N.C. Dec 7

Mrs. Robert Campbell

Saint Louis, Missouri

Raleigh N.C.

Sunday Dec. 4 1841

My dear Mrs. Campbell

My dear Sister Virginia,

Your letter dated the 18th Novr is to hand and find us all in the enjoyment of good health after offering you our congratulations on your reported health and prosperity and future prospects of consolations — I will pass on and endeavor to detail to you some of the passing events of your native region — However I must first inform you that I wrote to your good man Mr. C. some days ago and informed him the whys and wherefores I had not written sooner and thus he has read that letter; — In consequence of a press of business — I have curtailed the list of my correspondents and only write occasionally to a few of my most particular friends. Therefore when you receive an occasional scrawl from me it may be regarded as a compliment; — I am like your husband. I have an expensive wife and must make something to support her on — and in a few more months shall have an expensive daughter if she should pattern after her mother; But I hope she will be half Otey — half Kyle — and the “balance Winston” — and I think she will pass inspection among the most fastidious.

Raleigh Capitol, built in 1840. Photo circa 1861.

I must give you a short sketch of her Biography — It is a fact she is a most remarkable Child — and this is quite observable to all who visit us or have seen her — she cries but seldom — never I think — unless hungry or in pain — she is very hearty and healthy — she will be 4 mo. old the 15th of this month — and she now takes so much notice; plays and laughs so loud as to be heard all over our house. She can stand alone by the back of a chair — she has fair skin — my deep blue eyes — very regular and handsome features; and in general symmetry unsurpassed. Thus you see it will be complimenting you very highly to say we think she will be more like you than her Mother — I wish very much you could see her — I am going to have her miniature taken by an artist now in our city — who is said to be admirable on such executions — Well I suppose you have heard enough of Francis Elizabeth or so Ellen calls her — and I must let you know something of our movements and arrangements — I expected to have been on my way West before this some weeks — but have been detained by business — I want to break up housekeeping — and leave Ellen in Va with my relatives — until I return in the Spring — then she could spend the summer in Va and we would go west in the fall if I should be pleased and make a location — I should be in the West Janry Feby and March — back Va in April spend the summer partly — been settling up small matters and we could take our time in traveling out in the fall — I should not be satisfied to leave Ellen here during my absence.

There is not a pleasant Boarding House in the place for Ladies as you are aware — and to remain and keep house alone, she could not. This is a most distressing situation I am placed in at all times about leaving home — and this is one particular reason I have in being so desirous to change my place of residence and if I am not pleased with the West I shall purchase a place in Va. I wish you could prevail on Mr. C to quit the Town life and let us purchase two farms near each other — so that you and Ellen could be together — We have a plenty for this life — and had we all we wanted — we can’t carry away any with us — when we pay the last debt here; — There is nothing that would conduce so much to my peace and happiness I believe — and that of us all I think.

Ellen says she intends writing to you soon — you know she does not write often to anyone — and I am unwilling to believe it occurs from the want of affection — because when we have been separated for some weeks — she did not write to me — who has the greater claim on her affections and attentions “entre vous”? — Indeed she talks so much about “Sister” that I have almost to scold her sometimes — and tell her Va does not think so much of her — But her reply is — Sister loves me better than any one in the world — But you must act satisfied that we both appreciate your peculiar kindness and alacrity as a correspondent — I should write to you oftener but for your well known punctilio in orthography ‑etymology — syntax and prosody — But I have well neigh filled this sheet of Foolscap without writing you any “foolery” — The reason it is called Foolscap I s’pose it suits best for fools to write on;

Well have you heard that Doctor McKee and Susan Battle are about to make a match of it such is the report?

The Doctor is doing well and is destined to stand at the head of the profession here — I believe I wrote same in Mr. C. letter that Mr. Collier and Miss Ann Hughes were to be married on next Wednesday night — His brother George was married last Wednesday night to a Miss Oliver in Newbern — they are to be here — and the Hughes are making grand preparations for the wedding — I understand Miss Mary Smith has discarded Doct. Smith — Miss Emma has no captive at this time — Miss Manly without a beau — Miss McWilliams is doing her prettiest to captivate all — she flies high and sights low. I heard a Billiard Room talk about her the other day (entre vous) not so respectful — among the Young Men: — Allen Jones has been hanging around Susan Polk all to no purpose. The other girls are on their own resting. Beaus are as scarce as money in this place. Mrs. Haylander is staying with us now and desires me to send her best love to you, and says she wishes she could be with you in your troubles; that Mr. Campbell must bring you and leave you in Raleigh; and I think so too!

I am sorry Mr. C. will be from home at the time I shall be in St. Louis — I will write you or him on my route. Ellen joins me in love to you and Mr. C. and believe me your truly attached brother W. L. Otey

I would write more but you see my paper is exhausted.

Give our respects to Doct. McPheeters — I saw his Father in the streets 3 days ago — walking about.

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This Week in History: November 20

This week, big brother Hugh sends Robert a note following up from his recent trip back to Ireland. The brothers just lost sister Elizabeth, and, affectionately, Hugh reveals that — of all their family — he could not bear to lose Robert, too. And he has some interesting things to say about the state of his love life, and he encourages Robert to get hitched. You know, only if he feels like it, of course. Debt is a common theme in letters from this period. When Hugh and Robert’s father died in 1810, he left a substantial debt from building Aughalane, the family home. The brothers are still trying to remit money back to Ireland to pay this off.

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Milton NC November 27th 1824

My Dear Robert,

From contents of a letter just received from our mutual friend James Reed I am astonished to find that you have not received my letter of 18 Sept. He does not speak of another from Andrew forwarded at the same time which I presume has met the same fate. These cursed irregular mails and negligent postmasters are likely to break the chain of our correspondence and give us both cause for anxiety and unhappiness. Hereafter I wish you to write me once every two months, whether you receive a letter from me or not, and oftener when you hear from me — I will pursue the same plan in future.

Since my return to this place, I have had two letters from Andrew, one from Mr Boyle, one

Aughalane, Robert and Hugh’s family home in Ireland

from Mr. Beaty, and some other friend in that country — all of which contains the most pleasing intelligence from home, except what relates to our dear beloved & lamented Eliza. Let us not repine Robert — It was God’s will & it is our duty to submit. My Mother had received your letter directed to me in Ireland and one from Mr. Wiley, describing your new situation in St. Louis. I have written her and Andrew last week & requested both to write you immediately.

When I last wrote you everything relative to my late visit was fresh in my memory & I gave you a general summary of all news in which I thought you would feel any interest. Perhaps I may fail to do as well now but I will try to condense as much as possible in this sheet. Tomorrow I start to Richmond via Raleigh in business — on my return I shall write you again. Dan Wilson of Omagh died suddenly in July last — Sister Peggy died in April — Sister Margery & husband are somewhere in this country, but not contented — Sally Catherine & Mary much as usual — Our dear sister Anne is unhealthy and has begun To spit blood — Mother is quite well — neither could write me.

While in Ireland I rented out the land held by the different tenants for the space of 10 years from Nov 1824 (present) at the annual sum of about £66.10s. Mother retains about 9 acres around the house. Her rents are to be paid over to Andrew McFarland. Gabriel Walker lives in Glencopagaugh at the yearly rent of [missing]. There is a new house there and I suppose it will hereafter be well taken care of. Andrew is struggling along as usual. His little daughter Bess was a lovely interesting child when I was there — another (called Mary) has been born since I left Ireland. I was highly pleased with Andrew & his little family when amongst them. He don’t drink a drop of spirit now of any description except a little wine. I settled with Billy of Glengaw for £53.13.9 — paid him £15 and gave notes for balance @ 18mo. I expended $500 amongst my friends including expenses of tour and did every thing in my power to make all happy. My efforts were successful — they were pleased beyond my expectations with every thing I did — but I left them without bidding farewell! I could not support a parting scene with Eliza. None of them wish you to go home, untill you are independent at least. I have arranged business in such a way, that they have now no trouble with farm or tenants. Don’t stay in St. Louis, if you think it unhealthy — no matter about your situation — go elsewhere should there be the least danger. I could better support the death of any other of our family (except Mother) than yours — if you can do half as well elsewhere, leave it in the spring.

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With respect to my worthy friend James Reed’s affairs, they shall be attended to — Uncle John could not at this moment spare $30 to all the friends he has — of course John Reed’s journey here will be fruitless, and indeed worse than useless, though we shall be very glad to see him. The old people are becoming less able to attend to business & consequently more embarrassed in money matters. I see them often and do all I can to assist every way in my power. Their house will always be open, as their hearts, to their relatives but their purses are too tight to be of any service at present. We shall be required to see James here should he come this way in the spring.

A few weeks ago I had a letter from David Kyle Junr offering to take me in as a partner in Richmond — William & David Kyle will dissolve at Christmas and William proposes giving up the old house In Richmond to David & me. Our Mr. K. is not willing to part with me & offers to give me five thousand dollars in VA money as a present at the expiration 2 years from my return (Sept. 1826) and the use of his credit to any extent, to establish business on my own footing if I stay with him untill that time expires. Either proposition is beyond my expectation — I have not yet resolved which to accept, but will determine in a day or two. I will write you on my return from Richmond more decidedly on this important subject. You see fortune smiles on me at length.

Should I consent to stay in Milton I will remit one thousand dollars to Ireland for the use of my good old mother for payment of debt in the course of a year. In either case should I become possessor of more than a decent support, the surplus shall go to my friends — marriage I have no idea of at present and in all probability never may. Let such be your views Robert, and our change of residence will not be in vain. You ought to write home directly. I understand that sister Ann has written you on 7th Sept.

I procured situations for four of my ship mates today — George Boyle with W & D Kyle, James McKimmon of Trinamadin with R & H Kyle Raleigh. David Rogers with R. Kyle Oxford & Robert Stevenson of Strabum in this store. Robert Wiley is still the same amiable character — Ezekiel Anderson is doing pretty well in Rockingham — Mr. Kyle’s family are always friendly — I subscribed for the Milton Gazette for you — Do you receive it? Shall I send you any other papers? Or can I do any thing to add to your happiness — If so, write me & it shall be done. The Doctor is still the same — our business has been quite brisk lately — Kerr has opened at Clarksville VA about 44 miles east of this & is doing tolerably — Fare thee well, Robert

Hugh Campbell

Shortly after my return to Milton I had reason to suspect James Mathey (the young fellow who came shortly after departure). I searched his drawer and found that he had purloined from the firm between 200 & 300 dolls. Mr. Kyle was not at home — I took what cash he had from him & dismissed the scoundrel — His parents live in Derry & are very mean — this you see we had a second edition of John Monaghan in Milton.

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When I advise you to adopt a plan similar to mine I don’t mean to delay you from offering at Hymen’s altar — I should rejoice (my dear Robert) to hear that you had made choice of a helpmate for life if it were a prudent one — but in this I shall leave you to act as you please

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I received yours of 13 Oct & a Missouri paper — I trust [?] you write better than formerly — If convenient you can send me occasionally only any paper [missing] something curious — don’t make me a regular subscriber — your western papers are not worth esteem here.