from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 454-456
The gift of life is so mysterious that when that other mystery which we call death interrupts the current of human hopes and aspirations, we know not in what new channel the spirit may be turned, but if the life has been characterized by uprightness and honor everything that it has touched in its onward passage must have received a beneficent inspiration.
In the various relations of life the late Leander M. Campbell, of Danville, gave to the world the best of an essentially strong, noble and loyal nature; his life was guided and governed by the highest principles of integrity and honor; he was humanity's friend and his nature was attuned to tolerance and sympathy. Mr. Campbell was a pioneer member of the Hendricks County bar, and for a long lapse of years he was recognized as one of the leaders of his profession, figuring prominently in nearly all the important litigation of the county. His fine capabilities and upright character endeared him to a large circle of friends, and he was honored by a lucrative clientele and called to positions of high official trust, being at different times a member of both houses of the Indiana Legislature.
Leander M. Campbell was a native of Lewis County, Kentucky, born February 12, 1833, and he was a son of Lewis and Susan Campbell, both of whom died in the state of Kentucky. Leander was educated in the common schools of his community, and studied law with his brother in Maysville, Kentucky. He came to Indiana before attaining his legal majority, and settled on Section 17 in Middle Township, Hendricks County, in 1852. He was too young to be admitted to the bar, and so he taught school for a few years, being at one time Principal of the Belleville School. A few years later he was admitted to the bar and was actively engaged in the practice of his profession up to the time of his death. As a lawyer he showed abilities of the most solid and definite order, gaining success by close application and the effective employment of his talents, and ever observing those unwritten ethics through whose influence the dignity and honor of the profession are maintained. He was not long in attending high prestige as one of the representative members of the bar of Hendricks County, a bar notable at the present time, as in the past, for the professional brilliancy and marked precedence of its general personnel. Broad and comprehensive knowledge of the law and a distinct facility in its application, both as a trial lawyer and a counselor, enabled him to build up a very substantial practice. This success in the work of his profession was cumulative and his prestige grew apace, so that at the time of his death he stood in the front ranks as a lawyer.
As a citizen Mr. Campbell occupied an equally high place in the community, being ever mindful of those moral obligations that the highest citizenship entails. His long residence in the county gave him an extensive acquaintance and endeared him to many people who will be moved to appreciation and admiration of this brief tribute to a man essentially simple and unostentatious in his tastes and habits, one of the world's faithful and productive workers whose success was worthily won.
Leander M. Campbell was first married September 19, 1852, to Matilda Hammond, by whom he had four children, only one of whom is now living, Mrs. Cora Campbell Barnett, of Indianapolis. On June 15, 1867, he was married to Lucinda Hamrick, a daughter of A.D. and Eliza (Simpson) Hamrick, both natives of Mason County, Kentucky. The Hamrick family is one of the most prominent families of Putnam County, Indiana, members of the family figuring largely in the political and civic life of the county for several generations. A.D. Hamrick was a prosperous farmer and lived to the venerable age of ninety-two. He was a prominent politician and Republican Party worker, being a special friend of Governor Oliver P. Morton. His father was in the Revolutionary War.
Leander M. Campbell was a stalwart in the camp of the Republican Party, and he was an effective exponent of its principles and policies. Fraternally, he was a prominent Odd Fellow. Mr. Campbell died at his home in Danville June 16, 1890. Mrs. Campbell, a woman of rare culture and charming personality, still resides in the Danville home, a home endeared to her by the associations of the past, long known for its generous and refined hospitality.
Viewed in its clear perspective, the life of Leander M. Campbell counted for much. He made for himself a secure place in popular confidence and esteem, and while he now rests from his labors, his name is graven deeply in the hearts of a legion of friends who came in touch with his large and generous influence.