Background
Francis Joseph Campbell was born on October 9, 1832 in Winchester, Tennessee, United States; the son of Melinda and James Campbell. His father was a farmer.
Francis Joseph Campbell was born on October 9, 1832 in Winchester, Tennessee, United States; the son of Melinda and James Campbell. His father was a farmer.
When about four years old Francis lost his eyesight. At the age of twelve, he was sent to the institution for the blind at Nashville. A talented musician, he taught music and at the age of 16 was appointed music master at the Tennessee School for the Blind and later went on to become musical director at the Wisconsin School for the Blind. He also taught at the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts.
In 1850, while a senior at the school, Campbell was appointed teacher of music and interim superintendent. The education of the blind became his calling. Campbell left Tennessee in the mid-1850s to pursue his education in Massachusetts, where he met and married Mary Bond in 1856. The Campbells briefly returned to Tennessee but, because of their abolitionist views, soon left the state under duress. Campbell then taught music and physical education at the Perkins Institute in Boston.
In 1868 the Campbells traveled to Europe, where Frances studied music in Germany. His chance meeting with Dr. T. A. Armitage of London led to their creation of the Royal College for the Blind in London in the early 1870s. Campbell insisted that this college be equal in social, physical, and intellectual aspects to colleges for sighted people. Under his guidance the Royal College became a highly respected institution.
He became a naturalized subject of Great Britain, and in 1909 he was knighted by King Edward VII. Campbell retired in 1912, and Guy M. Campbell succeeded his father at the Royal College. Campbell returned to the United States after his retirement and died on June 30, 1914, leaving behind an international reputation as a musician and educator.
He was Head of the Music Department, Perkins School of the Blind; Founder and Head of the Royal Normal College & Academy of Music, For the Blind. The Francis Joseph Campbell Award is an annual award given by the American Library Association for any person who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library services for the blind. It consists of a citation and a medal. Campbell was also the first blind person to climb Mont Blanc. In his later years he became a naturalised Briton and in 1909 was knighted as a Knight Bachelor by King Edward VII. He retired as principal of RNC in 1912 and was succeeded by his son, Guy Marshall Campbell.
He was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Small in body, he possessed tremendous energy and daring.
He married Mary F. Bond in 1856. His first wife having died, Campbell married Sophia Faulkner, an American trained teacher who as lady principal of the college brought her husband seeing eyes and understanding, patience, and invaluable assistance.
