Robert Campbell

Colonial Treasurer   26.8.1856 - 2.10.1856
(Cowper Ministry No.2  26.8.1856 - 2.10.1856)

Colonial Treasurer   4.1.1858 - 30.3.1859
(Cowper Ministry No.4  7.9.1857 - 26.10.1859)

Born Sydney, 5 October 1804, son of pioneering merchant Robert and his wife Annie Sophia Riley

Robert Jnr was a wealthy merchant and wharf-owner and considered a ‘fine looking man’ ....it was easy to see beneath (his countenance) his prevailing good humour and the absence of everything like malignity.' 

Educated in London returning to NSW in 1819.  Interests in father Robert’s mercantile, wharf storage and shipping business and made a partner in 1827.  Many civic interests. 

Member of original Legislative Council 1851-1855.  Member for Sydney (City) 1856-1857, 1858-1859.  He was a frequent and lengthy speaker.  'The character of this gentleman for honesty of purpose and untiring industry was too thoroughly appreciated.'

Following his death the SMH reported 'Mr Campbell's appointment to the office of Colonial Treasurer was not only an abuse, it was a cruelty.  Everybody felt that he was unfit, - that he had not the qualifications as a debator-that he had no experience such as to qualify him to lead the House upon a matter of so much complexity, difficulty, and importance as finance.  The wear and tear of public life, and the collisions and late hours of an assembly were, from the state of his constitution, precisely the things calculated to shorten his days.'

Died In office on the 30 March 1859 Duntroon, NSW the Premier receiving the message of his death by electric telegraph. Seven special trains ran free of charge from Sydney to Parramatta were the body was interred in the family vault at the old parish church, Parramatta according to the Church of England rites.  Campbell was survived by wife Annie Sophia Riley and son William.