Born in Howard Township, Kent County, Canada West.

His father was from Argyleshire, Scotland, and his mother a native of Oneida County, New York.

Shortly thereafter he relocated to Toronto Junction, where he owned a milling company.

As one of the town's major employers, Campbell was instrumental in getting the town a customs house so that local businesses (including his own) could clear their railway imports without having to go to downtown Toronto.

In 1907, he was called to the Senate of Canada representing the senatorial division of Toronto West, Ontario on the advice of Wilfrid Laurier.