The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Clay Township, pages 551-552
D.W. Campbell, merchant, Coatesville, is a native of Jennings County, Ind., born in 1844, a son of Luther J. Campbell, one of the early settlers of that county. He remained at home till eighteen years of age, and in 1862 enlisted in defense of the Union, and was assigned to the Eighteenth United States Infantry, and served six years. During the war his regiment operated with the Eastern army, and he participated in a number of severe engagements, and during General McClellan's peninsular campaign formed a part of General Butler's command. After the close of the war he served on the Western plains three years, and there had many thrilling experiences. The regiment was stationed at different forts doing garrison duty. In November, 1866, they were transferred to Fort Phil Kearney, and were there at the time of the slaughter of Captain Fettemore and his command, the particulars of which may be of interest to our readers, as our subject was directly concerned in the transaction. Mr. Campbell, as Sergeant, was detailed with a party of men to go some distance from the fort to procure fuel, and Captain Fettemore, with ninety-six men a ccompanied them as guard. They were considerably annoyed by the Indians, and when nearing the fort on their return Captain Fettemore determined to turn back and attack them, while the wooding party proceeded to the fort. This was a fatal error, as he was decoyed to a ravine and at once attacked by thousands of Indians on both sides, and the entire party slaughtered, not a man escaping. After the expiration of his term of service Mr. Campbell returned to Indiana and soon after located in Coatesville and settled down to the peaceful vocation of a merchant. He has been successful in this branch of business, and is now the oldest merchant in the village. He has a fine brick store, which he erected in 1877, and has also, one of the best residences in the town. He has built up a large trade, his annual sales amounting to $40,000. He was married in 1869 to Mary A. Allen, of Putnam County, Ind. They have two children--Lenna and Flora.