Campbell Family

Elizabeth (Clarke) Campbell

The experiences of Elizabeth Campbell during the War of 1812 were the inspiration for this dissertation project. Documents relating her losses and suffering in the aftermath of the destruction of Newark and her recovery efforts in the post-war period demonstrate her strength of will to preserve her family and community. Campbell’s experiences and example led to further exploration of other women in Niagara who lived through similar circumstances and persevered against the odds.

One primary difference between Campbell and other women in her community is the relative prominence of her position. As a member of a respected upper-class family in Nova Scotia and the spouse of a career military officer, Campbell’s life was documented directly and tangentially in government and private papers. She also had greater access to social connections and financial means than most women. Additionally, her son, Edward Clarke Campbell, became prominent in Niagara following the war, ensuring that documents relating to her life were preserved and donated to a local museum. Reconstructing her life is made possible by this greater presence in the archives and while her story—like so many others—is incomplete, it provides us with greater understanding of the importance of women in Niagara before, during, and after the War of 1812.