Actual Carriages of the Campbell's.
President Grant may have rode in one of these.
21st Century image of CAMPBELL HOUSE Museum on the left
and circa 1885 image of CAMPBELL HOUSE on right.
Robert and Virginia Campbell's residence during the GILDED AGE can be toured in Saint Louis.
~On the Grounds~
Robert Campbell (1804–1879)
Mr. Campbell married Miss Virginia Kyle in 1841.
He wrote to her and said: “Recollect you will soon be my counselor and advisor and it may be – manager – that of course I will not acknowledge and I feel confident you will make, ‘my yoke easy’ and my life happy.”
Virginia Kyle Campbell (1822-1882)
From all of the available evidence, Virginia Campbell was an important
partner in Robert Campbell’s business and social life and she was able to challenge the traditional role of women of her class throughout her life. In other ways she fulfilled the traditional role assigned her by society, including managing a large household and staff.
In many ways Virginia was unusual for a 19th century upper middle class woman. She had a strong interest in national and civic affairs. She often traveled alone with her children, which challenged the social conventions of her class. She independently supported many philanthropic causes, including Fr. DeSmet’s Indian missions in the West.
Virginia died on January 30, 1882. She died just a few years after her husband and also like him died at home after a short illness. She was 60 years old. The estate was divided among their three surviving sons, Hugh, Hazlett, and James. By all accounts Robert and Virginia had a very happy marriage. Their surviving letters indicate that they supported each other in their respective roles with a great love for each other and their children.
Saint Louis has a gem,
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