John D. Campbell, who owns and occupies the old Campbell homestead in Rotterdam, N. Y., was born in Albany this State, May 14, 1844, son of Daniel D. and Julia A. (Sitterly) Campbell. Mr. Campbell's father, who was adopted by an aunt, was a son of Jacob and Angelica (Bradt) Schermerhorn. Jacob was a son of Simon and Sarah (Vrooman) Schermerhorn. Simon was a son of Jacob and Margaret (Teller) Schermerhorn. Jacob was a son of Ryer and Ariantje (Bradt) Schermerhorn; and Ryer was a son of Jacob Janse Schermerhorn, the emigrant ancestor, who was born in Waterland, Holland, in 1622, and who married Jannettie Segers Van Voorhoudt.
John D. Campbell was reared in Albany, and acquired his education in the schools of that city. Since early manhood he has been extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of the Campbell homestead of three hundred acres and the Vedder farm. His place, with its Colonial brick mansion, is one of the most pretentious and attractive Country seats in this section, the spacious grounds being shaded by grand old trees, thus adding to the comfort as well as the beauty of the surroundings.
On August 23, 1871, Mr. Campbell was joined in marriage with Elizabeth Clute, who was born in Schenectady, N. Y., October 30, 1848. She is now the mother of four children, namely: David, born December 3, 1873; Julia A., born June 22, 1876; John D., Jr., born March 25, 1878; and Bessie B., born August 7, 1880.
Mr. Campbell is one of the most noted agriculturists of Rotterdam, and he makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred cattle and horses. Politically, he is a Democrat, and was a member of the Assembly in 1882.