James Alexander Campbell

James Alexander Campbell was born in 1825 in George Square, Glasgow. He was the son of Sir James Campbell of Stracathro and Janet Bannerman from Manchester. His father was the founder of the wholesale merchant firm J & W Campbell and served as Lord Provost of Glasgow from 1840 to 1843.

Campbell received his education at Glasgow High School and Glasgow University. After completing his studies, he became a partner in the family business, J & W Campbell. In 1859, he joined the Glasgow University Council, demonstrating involvement in university governance. He played a key role in the fundraising efforts for the construction and maintenance of a new university building on Gilmorehill, serving as convener of the relevant committee from 1865 until 1894. Additionally, he acted as assessor to two rectors and two chancellors and was a member of the University Court from 1869 to 1884. In 1884, he was awarded the degree of LL.D.

In 1876, upon the death of his father, Campbell inherited the Stracathro estate near Brechin, which comprised approximately 4,000 acres. He served as a Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant for the counties of Lanark and Forfar.

In 1880, Campbell was elected as the Member of Parliament for Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities. He retained this parliamentary seat until 1906. As a member of the Conservative Party, he was known for his opposition to certain policies of his brother, Henry Campbell-Bannerman, who served as the Liberal Prime Minister from 1905 to 1908.

Throughout his career, Campbell contributed to several commissions focused on Scottish educational endowments and the structure of Scottish universities.

In his personal life, Campbell married Ann Peto in 1854. She was the daughter of Sir S. Morton Peto, a prominent railway contractor. The couple had one son and three daughters.

James Alexander Campbell died at Stracathro on 9 May 1908 at the age of 83, following a prolonged illness. His death occurred a fortnight after that of his brother.