Campbell, Alexander and Isabella

Alexander (Sandy) Sanford Campbell was born October 24, 1874, in Minto Township, Ontario, Canada, the sixth child of Colin and Ellen (Francis) Campbell.  Colin Campbell was born in Islay, Argyllshire, Scotland, and Ellen Francis was born in England.

Sandy came to Griggs County, North Dakota, in 1901, and secured a warranty deed on Northwest 1/4  of Section  11-144-60 in Bartley Township.  In 1903, he disposed of it and homesteaded the Southeast 1/4 of Section  34-145-60 in Helena Township.  Both parcels of land are now farmed by his grandsons, Don and Bob Campbell.  Other members of Sandy's family also lived in Griggs County.  They were brothers Donald, James, John and sisters Margaret and Annie (Mrs. John B. Armstrong), as well as first cousins Mrs. Joseph Hoggarth (Hannah Francis) and John (Jack) Francis.  Sandy returned to Harriston, Ontario, Canada and on March 15, 1905, married Isabella Greenwood and brought his bride back to North Dakota.

Isabella (Bella) Jane Greenwood, the oldest of 13 children was born May 11, 1879, to John and Susan Jane (Ballard) Greenwood of Ontario, Canada.  As it happens in large families, Bella worked hard at a young age helping her parents in caring for her younger brothers and sisters and with the housework.  She suffered from poor health and died on the home farm July 4, 1936.

The oldest of Sandy's and Bella's children was Elizabeth Emma, who was born June 16, 1906.  She attended grade school in Helena No. 2, and high school in Hannaford after which she attended Beauty College in Fargo, North Dakota, where she later worked.  Elizabeth moved to Canada where she owned and operated a Beauty Shop.  She met and married John (Jack) Campbell (her second cousin) of Chicago, Illinois, formerly of Grand Forks, North Dakota.  Jack was a dentist.  They were the parents of two children, Glenna (Mrs. Lloyd Hoffman) of Sequim, Washington; and DDS John Campbell of Roselle, Illinois.  Elizabeth died December 30, 1954.

Lloyd Alexander Campbell was born April 9, 1911, and married Thelma Johnson October 20, 1950.  They had two sons, Donald, born October 10, 1951; and Robert, born June 7, 1953.  Lloyd and Thelma farmed the home place in Helena Township until his death September  15, 1971.  Son Robert, wife Bev and their two sons, Ryan and Justin, now live there.  Since 1982, Thelma has made her home in Hannaford.

Vera Belle was born April 17, 1914.  She attended grade school in Helena No. 2, and graduated from high school in Chicago, Illinois  Vera married Elsworth Sonju and were the parents of three children: Joan (deceased), Richard of Alaska, and Sandra (Mrs. Arne Reyier) of Gig Harbor, Washington  Vera White worked for many years in department stores and is now retired and living in Spokane, Washington.

Sandy and Bella were also the parents of a son and daughter who died at birth.  Besides the sad and bad times that all families endure, the Sandy Campbell's were known for the dances and card parties held at their home with friends and neighbors.

After Bella's death Sandy continued to live on the farm with Lloyd until Lloyd's marriage in 1950.  Sandy then moved back to Palmerston, Ontario, Canada, and lived there until his death June 16, 1962.

Source:  Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 100