Alexander MacKenzie Campbell Alexander MacKenzie Campbell, a distinguished physician and surgeon of Grand Rapids, widely and favorably known professionally throughout western Michigan, descends from a long line of sturdy Scottish ancestors. His father, A. D. Campbell, a strong type of this nationality, is a native of Scotland and a lineal descendant of the historic clan Campbell, which figured prominently in the early wars and internal dissension of the highlands. The elder Campbell, who was brought to Canada in childhood, followed agricultural pursuits, until advancing age compelled his retirement from active life, and he is now spending his declining years near the city of St. Thomas, Ontario. His wife, who also bore the name of Campbell, but not related by consanguinity to her husband, bore him seven children, whose names are as follows: Dr. James D., of Grand Rapids; John P., a railroad man with headquarters at Spokane, Wash.: S.A., on the Culloden farm, the name by which the old family homestead in Canada is known, two married daughters live in Canada; one in Cripple Creek, Colo, also married, and Dr. Alexander M., the subject proper of this biography. Alexander M. Campbell early graduated from high school at St. Thomas, and then matriculated at the Toronto university, from which he graduated in the classics; he was professionally prepared by two years’ study at the Western university, and was graduated from the Detroit (Mich) College of Medicine in 1896. Immediately after graduation he was appointed house surgeon of the Children’s Free hospital at Detroit, and was then tendered a similar position at the Union Benevolent Association hospital in Grand Rapids, and his office brought him to the latter city. Having thus had two years’ active hospital practice, Dr. Campbell, at the breaking out of the Spanish-American war, offered his services to the governor of the state of Michigan as a volunteer, and was appointed surgeon in charge of the brigade hospital at Camp Eaton, and subsequently was commissioned, by Gov. Pingree, major-surgeon. After three month’s service in this capacity, the was drawing to a close in the meantime, he returned to Grand Rapids, where his steady rise in the profession has placed him in the front rank of the city’s most successful young medical men. Dr. Campbell is a member of the college of Physician & Surgeons, of Toronto, Canada, and his name appears upon the charter of the Grand Rapids Medical college, in which institution for two years he filled the chair of bacteriology, but resigned this in August, 1899, his researches in that department of the profession having won him prominent recognition. He was appointed the first city bacteriologist of Grand Rapids, which position he now holds.  Additional to the above, the doctor is also an honorary member of the Medical society of Detroit, and active member of the Grand Rapids Academy of Medicine, and his contributions to the professional press have been frequent and profound. As a writer he is lucid and terse, a master of vigorous English, and reason of profundity of thought and thorough knowledge of subjects investigated, a number of his treatises have been accepted by the profession. Since his majority he has been identified with Masonic fraternity, in addition to which he is at this time a member of the Military and Country clubs. In politics he has ever taken an active interest, but not more than any good citizen ought to manifest, and the republican party finds in him a zealous supporter. As already stated, his professional successes have been rapid, and it is now conceded that his practice is second to that of no young physician in the city. This has been brought about by close application and constant study. Not only does he enjoy the reputation among his many patients of being a skillful and painstaking physician, but the fraternity recognize in him an able counselor and a gentleman of high culture and attainments. June 20, 1899, Dr. Campbell was appointed acting assistant surgeon in the United States army, and in that capacity is examining surgeon for all recruits for enlistment in the United States regular and volunteer service from Grand Rapids. He is also attending physician at the Children’s hospital, and bacteriologist to the U. B. A. Hospital. As a citizen, Dr. Campbell has been successful in gaining the confidence and esteem of all who know him by an earnest, upright and manly life. He is a gentleman of prepossessing appearance and dignified bearing; unostentatious in demeanor, yet affable and pleasing in his intercourse with fellowman, and popular with all with whom he comes in contact. While he is yet a young man, his many friends predict for him a long life full of usefulness to humanity and great prosperity for himself.

Transcriber: Barb Jones
Created: 14 August 2006