Notes for ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, CAPTAIN:

Son of James and Elizabeth (Buchanan) Campbell.
Born: Before November 14, 1734 in Margowan, Killin Parish, Perthshire, Scotland.
Christening: Before November 14, 1734 in Margowan, Killin Parish, Perthshire, Scotland.
Died: October, 1800 in Johnstown, Canada.
Residence: Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York.
Charlottenburg, Ontario, Canada.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
New Johnstown, Ontario, Canada (at time of death).
Married: Magdalena Van Sise May 23, 1768 in Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York.

Alexander Campbell came to Schenectady in in 1762, while the later well-known firm of Phyn & Ellice was in business in 1768. A native of Scotland. He settled in Schenectady in 1762, later removed to Schoharie, but was again a resident of Schenectady on June 3, 1775, under orders never to return to Schoharie. In 1776 it being ascertained that he had warned Sir John Johnson of his danger, a mob burned his storehouse at Schoharie and later destroyed his store at Schenectady with goods and merchandise, "burning at the same time eight loads of hay and poisoning two milch cows." He was subsequently sent a prisoner to Connecticut, but on December 3 was permitted to return home on parole. In May, 1777, he was recommended to the field officers as "a dangerous person," and on May 3 was arrested to be taken to Albany but was released on his oath that he would take up arms in defense of the country in case of any invasion. On September 7, 1778, he refused to take the Oath of Allegiance, and requested permission of the Commissioners of Conspiracies to remove to Canada with his family. This request was granted and he was ordered to prepare himself to be removed on the shortest notice. He probably acted as a spy on various occasions, as his petition to the British Government for remuneration contains an item of 15 pounds 13 shillings, cash paid to sundry expenses in obtaining information of the situation of the Continental Army for Generals Burgoyne and Fraser.
(Source: Rootsweb.com Ancesters of Ray Campbell - 32 generations)

Alexander Campbell MLA (1734-1800) was a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Upper Canada, a business man and an army officer. Prior to leaving his home at Killin Scotland Alexander was commissioned as an officer in the 42nd Regiment of Foot (the Black Watch). He and his brothers, Moses (b.1733) a sergeant, and James (b.1741) who were both with him in the Black Watch regiment when it landed at New York City in June 1756 were immediately dispatched to Albany New York to be trained in the art of bush fighting. Their first action in North America was in the summer of 1758, a tragic assault on the French fort at Ticonderoga. The Highlander failed to overcome the defenders and suffered 314 fatalities during the eight hour battle. Listed among the wounded was Lieutenant Alexander Campbell. After resigning his commission Alexander took up residence in Schenectady, NY. During the years prior to the American Revolution Alexander married twice and purchased large land holdings in the Mohawk Valley and owned and operated a store and tavern in Schenectady. Later he established another store in Schoharie, NY and in 1775 moved his family to Schoharie. However because he did not support the American rebels his store in Schoharie was looted and vandalized and so Alexander moved back to Schenectady. After Alexander moved back to Schenectady, his father-in-law Alexander Van Sice, a revolutionary, had Alexander and other Loyalists thrown in jail again for warning Sir John Johnston of his impending arrest thus giving Sir John enough lead time to round up his family and tenants and escape north to Canada. In 1778 Alexander after refusing to take an oath of allegiance to the rebels was expelled from the USA. Alexander was allowed to leave for Canada with only those possessions that could be carried in two wagons. After arriving in Montreal he moved his family to near New Johnstown (now called Cornwall) Ontario. From 1702 to 1797 Alexander was an MLA in Toronto, representing Dundas county west of Cornwall. Alexander was born in 1734 at Killin, Perthshire, Scotland the son of James Campbell and wife Elizabeth Buchanan. His first marriage was to Catherine Vetter in October 1765 at Christ Lutheran Church in New York City. Catherine died in 1767 and there is no record of any children from the marriage with her. Alexanders second wife was Magdalena Van Sice whom he married in May 1768 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Schenectady, NY. Alexander died on October 24, 1800 at New Johnstown (Cornwall) Ontario.
(Source: Rootsweb.com Ancesters of Ray Campbell - 32 generations)