Virginia Kyle Campbell, circa 1882.

Put your thinking caps on for this one. Short version: The Campbells and Kyles knew each other back in County Tyrone, Ireland, and Virginia is related to many of the names we see on a daily basis in St. Louis: James McCausland, Ralph Clayton and James Collier Marshall. Here’s the long (and fascinating) version:

Visitors to Campbell House all know Virginia Campbell was born Virginia Kyle, the daughter of Hazlett and Lucy Ann Kyle. What you may not know is the scope of the interrelationships between the Campbell and Kyle families, their origins in County Tyrone, Ireland, the extent of the family tree in America, and the surprising links to other St. Louis historic sites. Don’t get lost as we trace some of the Campbell and Kyle links in St. Louis.

There are so many Kyle descendents that it is virtually impossible to accurately determine specific families back past the end of the 18th Century. The original Kyle family belongs to the Clan Campbell of Argyle, the surname originating from the Kyle district in Ayrshire, Scotland. As with the Campbells, the Kyles left Scotland for Norther Ireland and the two families undoubtedly knew each other. Eventually some immigrated to the United States.

In September 1818, Hugh Campbell came to the U.S. and was hired as a clerk in Milton, NC by David Kyle of County Tyrone. Hugh’s friend, James Reed, was already in the employ of David Kyle’s Cousins, Robert and Hazlett Kyle, the father of the yet-to-be-born Virginia Campbell. Robert and Hazlett Kyle were also brothers to William and David Kyle, Jr. who, in 1824, would offer Hugh a partnership in their Richmond, VA business. Hugh wrote to Robert about this offer and, curiously, mentioned the unlikelihood of marrying anytime soon. He did wait five years, and in March 1829 married David Kyle’s daughter, Mary.

In October 1831, David Kyle moved to St. Louis with his family (except Mary Campbell) and started a business with Edward Edgar. Robert Campbell (in St. Louis) wrote to Hugh (in Richmond) revealing he was watching, if not actively involved, with the move: Mr. Kyle’s dwelling House is finished — the rent [is about] $400…the Store House will not be completed until 1st November the workman told me but I presume Mr. Kyle will have little difficulty in renting a House.

Stephenson House

In April 1832 Hugh Campbell ended his partnership with David Kyle Jr. and moved to Philadelphia to start his own business. In June 1832 William Kyle died; Robert Kyle died three weeks later. Per Hugh: Hazlett Kyle died at his house in Raleigh N.C. of a few days illness, brought on by intemperance & bad conduct. His brother Robert of Fincastle went to pay a visit to condolence to his widow and to assist in regulating the estate…[He] became sick on 30th & died on 31st in the same room where his brother breathed his last breath about 3 weeks previously. I need scarce tell you that the cause was nearly similar. Thus have three brothers been called to their account in the course of about one year…Hazlett’s wife & children will have about the sum of $40,000 amongst them. Thus we see that Robert had some knowledge of the Hazlett Kyle family long before his first meeting with Virginia in 1835.

In February 1835, David Kyle, father-in-law to Hugh Campbell, died in St. Louis, leaving a widow and nine children (David Kyle, wife Lydia, and two daughters — Margaret and Harriet — are buried in Hugh’s family plot in Bellefontaine Cemetery). After David’s death, Hugh spent several months resettling the family in Fayette, MO. Besides Mary, the only child who had married by this time was Eleanor Kyle. In December 1834 she married James Stephenson at Christ Church in St. Louis. James was the son of Benjamin Stephenson, the first sheriff of Randolph County, Illinois and a representative of the Illinois Territory in Congress. His home is now a state historic site in Edwardsville, Illinois.

So, David Kyle came to St. Louis in 1831, his niece Virginia arrived in 1841, newly married to Robert Campbell. His daughter Mary came in 1859 with husband Hugh Campbell. These Kyles, however, were not the first ones in the area. In 1825, another branch of the Kyles lived here and established their own mercantile trade. Elizabeth Kyle (a distant cousin to Virginia and Mary) married her first cousin, Alexander McCausland.

Fairfax House

Of their eleven children, John opened the mercantile firm Kyle & McCausland. Another son, James, opened a tract of land on the western edge of St. Louis. McCausland Avenue is named after him. John and James’ sister Rosannah married Ralph Clayton, the man for whom the city of Clayton is named. Another sibling, Elizabeth, married James Collier Marshall in 1840 in Rock Hill. The Marshall family home — the Fairfax House — is an historic site.

The connections go on and on. We encourage you to visit all these locations and reflect on “small town” St. Louis the next time you take a drive down McCausland or Marshall Avenues.

**********************************************************************************

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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Notice, Virginia does not give directions outside the list of ingredients, assuming the cook will know how to add the ingredients at proper intervals.  If you’re an adventurous cook, give this one a try to honor the Washingtons this Fourth of July weekend:

Washington Cake
1-3/4 pounds flour
1-1/2 pounds sugar
3/4 pound butter
8 eggs
1 pint warm milk
1 teaspoon of pearl ash dissolved in French brandy
2 pounds currants or raisins or 1 pound of each
2 nutmegs
6 cloves
1 tea cup brandy

Tried and good.

Virginia Campbell's Washington Cake

Happy Fourth of July from all of us here at Campbell House Museum!

This letter was published by the Missouri Historical Society in “Glimpses of the Past: Correspondence of Robert Campbell 1834-1845″

Saint Louis May 20th 1842
Dear Sublette
I reed your letter written by mail from Independence post
marked 12th inst. giving me an account of your proceedings
in attachment of the property of Giddings & Gentry which I
think was remarkably well done – I hope it will enable us
to get our pay – I think you might have the Beaver ap-
praised and by consent of S. C. Owens & Co. have it sold -
if sent down we could realize a certain portion of our pay
sooner in that way.
I reed. yesterday $100 from Lewis Franklin through Crow,
Tevis & McCreery – N. E. Harrelson also paid his account
in full – this is all the money we have received.
I learn from Vasques that you had sent by Mr. McCarty
some specie but he has not arrived yet. I am most anxious
to pay the Merchants & Mechanic ‘s Bank.
I think Mr. Heylin will levy an attachment to secure what-
ever may be left after paying us out of the mules. – J. J.
Anderson transferred to him a note of Giddings & Gentry for
some $950.00 he will I think place the papers in the hands
of [Addison] Reese to take out the attachment.
I have been doing very little business since you left – still
I have sold a few goods and generally get paid for them. . . .
I will only repeat what I have already said that we cannot expect to get any money from any other quarter than where
you now are and I hope you will not lose the opportunity of
securing every dollar due us – money is now more important
than it has even been on any former occasion to us and I hope
you will use proportionate exertions – scarce as money is it
will be easier collecting it now than in the fall.
At the farm every thing goes on well. Mrs. Cook was in
two days ago. We have had a fine rain and crops look prom-
ising – the army worm has done some mischief but I under-
stand your farm has not suffered much.
Virginia and the Boy(footnote 21) are getting along finely – nothing
new.
Kingsland & Lightner made an assignment and it is ex-
pected that H. N. Davis will go with them – such is my own
impression – Swearinger [A. S. & Co.] is also broke up and
some others it is thought will follow.
Yours
Robert Campbell
Col. W. L. Sublette
Independence, Mo.

Footnote:
21 This was the James Alexander Campbell, born May 14, 1842, and
died June 18, 1849

With her iPad, she’s the happiest she’s been in a very long time. Thanks to the the device’s crisp, clear, and very bright screen, and the iBooks and Pages applications, it’s no longer so much of a chore for her to do what she loves. The iPad has performed the miracle of giving a woman back the priceless ability to enjoy reading and writing. How wonderful is that?

Virginia is so grateful for how the iPad presented her a much more comfortable way to live her life happily, she dedicated a limerick to it:

To this technical-ninny it’s clear
In my compromised 100th year,
That to read and to write
Are again within sight
Of this Apple iPad pioneer.

Watching how happy she is playing with it is enough to fill anyone’s heart with joy. And watching her regain what she thought she had lost forever… is just amazing. This has to be the best iPad success story, by far.

(Source: OregonLive.com)

Proud new iPad owner Virginia Campbell, aged 99

Virginia Campbell, from Lake Oswego in Oregon, was introduced to the device after giving up her favourite pastimes of reading and writing because of the eye disease glaucoma.

According to her daughter Ginny, the Apple gadget has “changed her life”, enabling her to read books again thanks to its ability to increase the size of text.

“She’s writing all of her poetry on her iPad now,” Ginny adds to The Oregonian. “Her handwriting is so scratchy. It’s so much easier because she can actually read it. Others can read it, too.”

Virginia has even penned an ode to her new tablet (no word on Steve Jobs’ reaction just yet):

“To this technology-ninny it’s clear,

In my compromised 100th year,

That to read and to write

Are again within sight

Of this Apple iPad pioneer.”

While this story does not involve a library, it speaks to the possibilities of how circulating devices like an iPad can transform the lives and literacy practices of our elderly patrons, particularly those who cannot afford these devices. What if libraries even offered “home delivery” to patrons who are shut in and may not physically be able to come to the library to check out an iPad?

You can read more about Virginia’s story here and see the video below:

[Front Cover]
Mrs. Robert Campbell
Saint Louis
Missouri

attention
Mr. R. Scott

Philadelphia Dec. 4th / 43
My dear Virginia
I have had so stiff a neck for the last two or three days  that I feared I would not be able to write you by Mr. Scott but  this morning I am much better & will inflict one of my unreadable letters on you.  The fact is I am forgetting the use of my pen  all together.  I believe I have not written a letter since I wrote you last + this was on hearing of Master Hugh’s arrival  [Virginia's second baby, Hugh Campbell, Oct. 1843] – from my own  family I have had no letters – you have given me the only tidings I have had of them for several months.  Betty has no even told  of the receipt of a box sent her a long time ago.  By the by  speaking of boxes I am glad to hear that you have received yours  – I fear you will not much like your things – your bonnet was not what you requested, nor what I wished, but I could not get a  plain garnet velvet for less than $25 + not a very handsome  feather at that.  Do tell me if the bonnet is at all becoming – I thought it very genteel, in this age of gay things, + your  dress, I know you like the material.  Mine is exceedingly  admired, thought the most becoming dress I wear – but I am sure  yours must be short waisted, it looked so to me, if it is you had better put in a belt & wear a sash or ribbon belt & that hanging cap on the dress I did not like.  Miss Rodgers thought it just  the thing, you can easily alter that if you do not like it.

[Pg. Break] I have been very busy for the last few weeks  fixing up our winter gear.  Miss Rodgers makes up the new, but we have all the old dresses to turn + do up ourselves.  I have  tryed dressmakers in the house but find them miserable, so I have turned to the trade myself + if you had seen a dress I made for  Meg to wear to a party at Atwoods, you would think me right  smart.  Our city is very gay so many weddings + then of course  parties.  I have declined all so far, except among our intimate  friends.  I made Meg go to Atwoods on Friday night with Miss  Tucker.  The girls gave a large party to Mrs. Joe Hidenburn, she  was a Miss Smith of New York, an intimate friend of Susan  Randalls.  They had a very crowded + handsome party.  Mary will  not be married this winter, Henrietta has no beau that I hear of.  Mary Newlin is engaged to a Mr. Taylor from the country.   [?]_____ _____ to Frank Bacon, Bill Newlin to Lizzie [?] Wazanin  [?] ’tis so said Susan Randall to Sam Williams.  Mary Riggs to  Mr. Paradin & I might give you a dozen others – it is a most  engaging time with the young folks.

I take for granted Hugh has improved, as Robert in his  letters to Mr. C. reports you all will – you have not said a word about the little rascal’s looks, who [?]______ + does Jamie talk yet – how we long to see him.  I was detailing all his  accomplishments to Tom Smith last night, who made me a last call  before his wedding he is to be married tomorrow week – give him  Jamie a thousand kisses for us all.  Meg is dying to see him, she talks of him every day – how do you get along with the two  babies, I fear you will confine yourself too much.

[Pg. Break] Mrs. Archie has a fine boy – young Archie ’tis to be.  She is doing very well + looks beautifully – more delicate  than usual.  Mrs.. Baker continues rather poorly but is able to go about a little – she has gone home.  Mrs. Matilde is still  complaining – frequent colds – she looks badly, but I think she  might rouse herself into better health.  I hear no prospect of  babies.  Mrs. Oakman is very well.  The Tagerts have had Mrs.  Babard staying with them for three weeks which as made us all  gay in a quiet way.  They all drank tea with more last night -  Sunday though it was the old gentlemen + all + he seemed very  bright + happy without his [?]_______.  They have a drunken party of gentlemen today  + we are all invited for the evening.  Mrs.  Tucker is not very well – has had something of dysentary for a  few days.  Mrs. Brown always enquires most kindly for you + sends her gest love.  Little Louis asked me the other day for little  Jamie Campbell + for a moment I forgot who she meant, she has not forgotten him.

Did you see that St. louis letter in the Herald describing Mary Willcot’s marriage.  I fear the widow did not much like the  style in which she was mentioned.  Mrs. Eagle only returned my  call a day or so before she left + bad weather prevented me from  seeing her again.  She kindly offered to take my package for me.   We called to see Mrs. Jennings last week, but she was engaged.   How is Mr. John Kerr + Mrs. John is dashing I dare say in all the finery Mrs.. J. sent her.  Meg sends oceans of love to you all.   Give my kindest to Robert & regard to all friends.  I hope soon  to hear from you & trust to hear our boy is growing a fine  healthy fellow.  Your cousin,
Mary

[Pg. Break, side of 3rd page] Mrs. Davenport has been quite ill  for several weeks, looking most wretchedly – she is better.  Mrs. Hennesly has [?]_____ a [?]_____ on two [?]_______ down street.   [?]_____ I called but once or twice to see her.

Crocodile chained to a palm tree = Nîmes, which is where the Roman legions that fought for Julius Caesar in the Nile settled after they served for 15 years. It is also where I went for the day on the recommendation of a friend who had studied in Montpellier some years ago. I planned the trip around a performance by some New Yorkers, which you can read more about here . This trip was in part for my Mom, who wanted to see nice pictures, but of course my camera batteries ran out half way through the adventure. I tried the best I could.

The fame of Nîmes rests on all the old things it has, which are older than most other old things because they are Roman. The first I saw was the Arènes, which was big.

Next was the Maison Carrée, some sort of temple that has this beautiful color gradient, perhaps because of exposure to the sun or uneven cleaning? It was beautiful.

This was about where my camera ran out, which is a shame because the most beautiful stuff was next: the Temple of Diana (no historical connection to Diana), which is filled with pigeons and carved graffiti both Roman and contemporary, and looks like it might have been sawed in half along a diagonal; a beautiful network of pathways leading up the hill; at the highest point in Nîmes, the Tour Magne, which looks something like a bombed out conch shell; and, on the way down, some little waterfall fountains to walk underneath. Regarding the last, those from southeastern CT might think of a smaller version of the waterfalls at the old Mystic Falls mini golf course and batting cages. 

At the temple of Diana I noticed somebody walking out of a darkened hallway zipping up his fly, and my first thought was “Christ these people will piss anywhere.” At that point I realized that I’d seen more public urination in the South of France than anywhere else I’d ever been, even New York. I don’t know if this generalization has any foundation but regardless it endears me to this place all the more.

Our blessed children are well and the baby’s flesh is so firm and he improves every day perceptibly, if you could hear ^him [^]  talking in his way – you would be surprised to hear what a loud  noise he can make and it is to my ear the sweetest music. Hazlett was so pleased with your Daguerre he said “Lady is laughing at  me” Mama talk to Lady” and makes me take it out for him to see,  he seems to take a pleasure in looking at it, as if you were  present.

[Page 2] The tableaux came off very successfully the other day -I never saw any as good Hughy & Tommy had their full share of the  fun I assure – Tommy officiated as “a washerwoman” at a big tub  with cap, petticoats, etc etc – and Hugh was dressed as a “page”  and he gave it as his opinion that he was the prettiest one there the innocence of
childhood! I like to prolong it as long as possible.  You will be surprised to hear that I was at a party last night. We were at  that handsome house on the hill near Pottsville where the  Monument stands. Mrs Banan came and invited the whole Campbell  party as well as some other ladies in the house – we had a very  nice tea, and ice cream etc etc after tea – they had been at the  tableaux here the
evening before – Cousin Mary & I ordered ice cream and cake as  refreshments considering that as our part in the necessary

[Page 3] preperations. I met at Mrs Banan’s at Capt Simmons of  the army and his lady we had a good deal of talk together She  knows
all of our army friends in St Louis, she had a very startling  occurrence to spoil her evening, a young son who has just been a  month at West Point and is about to be physically examined as  to his qualification for that profession had a hemaraghe from the lungs and with the blood coming from mouth and nose came up the  hill on foot to
find his Mother & father who were sitting playing whist Their  pleasure was soon destroyed. I’m told she has lost maybe t??  before in that way as soon as they come to maturity. I  sympathized with her very much. Sister and Betty seem to be very  happy here. I intend to write to Mother very soon. I want Sister  to write her own version of Betty’s love affair

[Page 4] Betty is not forward in her ways at all she seems to  love fun
and dancing and is a very cheerful talkative happy disposition I  think in a month she will not care a ??? for her dandy dancing  ?eau. I have not said a word to her about it, ??? she to me.  Brother Hugh is going down to the city tomorrow – there is some  little business doing and I think he tires of the monotony here – to us it is very pleasant and our sewing and gossip occupies us. dear little Hazlett is company for us all with his sweet tongue  – he is the dearest child ever was – he enjoyed the tableaux very much – but said “I wont keep still” I will talk” when Mr  Whitaker was reciting a long programme he made every
body laugh.

The widow Mrs Bryan with her family

[Page 5, on Page 1] are here – I should rather be at
home – (not sure which sentence is next} They all think the  Daguerre good, but older than you a good deal. I like it pretty  well. I do not think it is a very good one, but the children  think it is just like you, so it is better than none.

Hugh sends his good love he reads a good deal to me I had a very  nice letter from Cousin Missouri saying many kind things of you  your kindnesses to aunt Betsy. {} if l were She -I suppose she  thinks it will do her children good

Dear husband I feel so sorry to think you are out in St Louis  alone -I feel anxious to hear what you do with yourself where you eat and so on Give my love to Mr Branch and Mackenzie & Woods if you see them

Your affect wife
VJ Campbell

Col. W. L. Sublette
Jefferson City, Mo.

Footnotes:
26 An editorial comment on the day after Van Buren’s arrival, states:
. . . “The public reception we take it, is evidence of the feeling which
the public entertain for Mr. Van Buren as a politician and statesman.
Beyond this, we know that our fellow citizens are ready to pay him every
courtesy and attention, and will freely contribute by every means in their
power to render his sojourn amongst us pleasant and agreeable. From
the citizens of St. Louis he may expect all the hospitality due to the
individual man and the high station he has filled; but, as a politician,
he has seen enough to learn that there are few who greet him with a
cordial welcome, and still fewer that are willing to do homage to his
course. . . Many of the most respectable and influential of the Locofoco
party stood back, and throughout seemed to take no interest in the pro-
ceedings. Was this per order from the Colonel [Benton] in Washington?”
Missouri Republican June 22, 1842.