Obituary for Mary "Polly" Groshong Campbell (1811?-1889)
Quincy Daily Herald, Oct. 23, 1889, page 5.
From the Collection of June Groshong

"First Bride and The Mother of The First White Child Born in Adams County."

When the news of the death of Mrs. Mary CAMPBELL , of Ursa on September 28 was announced, little did anyone dream that she was the mother of the first white child ever born in Adams Co.

Deceased was the daughter of Samuel GROSHONG, and was in Lincoln Co., Mo. in the month of May 1811. She came to this county with her father in 1823 and her father built the first log cabin in the Ursa township. She was married to George CAMPBELL in the month of August 1825 by Willard Keyes, a Justice of the Peace. This was the first marriage in the history of the county.

On the 12th of August 1827, Mrs. CAMPBELL gave birth to her son A.J. CAMPBELL, who was the first white child born in this county. Her husband died on December 24,1864 in his 71st year of his age.

J.M. Ruddell, an old and highly respected citizen of the county, conducted the services at the funeral which were of a very impressive nature.

Mrs. CAMPBELL was a noble woman, esteemed and loved by all, and many a heart in the breasts of the older generation was pained upon hearing of her death.

[Transcriber's note: I have conflicting info that Mary was born in St. Charles co. Mo.( which could still be what is Lin. Co. today), that her marriage was the 2nd marriage of Adams Co. IL; (All info seems to agree her son was 1st white child b. in Adams Co. IL) We do have info that Samuel was in Lincoln Co. Mo. Also some report he was the School teacher shot in the shoulder by the Indians at: Mo. History ( probably near the Clarks Fort Lincoln Co. where Moscow Mills, Mo. is today . jg ) ]

File submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by June Groshong, 16 October, 2005.

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