Alexander Campbell was born in Ballymena, County Antrim. Having studied theology at Glasgow University, he became a Presbyterian minister. He emigrated to Bethany in Western Virginia and left the Presbyterian Church. He and his father established several congregations which disapproved of all sects and became known as the Disciples of Christ, or Campbellites. In 1840 they founded a college. By 1867 approximately half a million people in the United States were followers. Alexander Campbell published various theological works including The Christian Baptist. He believed that the possession of slaves ought not to disqualify one from church membership. He died in West Virginia. [Life by Richardson, 1868]

Born:	12 September 1788
Died:	4 March 1866