52 Ancestors: Week 36, Archibald Campbell

20 Sep, 2026

Orginal post: 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

Jay Campbell published the original research of our shared Campbell ancestors in his blog Joel Campbell (1735-1828): His Life and Times. His posts add much greater context to Archibald's experiences.

Genealogical Summary

Archibald Campbell was born say 1640. He was a tenant farmer in the village of Kildalvan in Kilmodan Parish, Argyllshire, Scotland.

The Commons of Argyll states "Archibald Campbell and three sons all banished furth of the kingdome" for their participation in Argyll's Rising in June of 1685.¹ Coinciding with Monmouth's Rebellion in England, it was an attempt to depose the Catholic king, James II and VII. On 22 June 1685, after his capture, Archibald declared he was pressed into service in the company of his laird John Campbell of Kildalvan. He further claimed that he and his three sons attempted to flee but were kept prisoner.² "Robert Campbell, sone to Archbald Campbell in Kiltalvien" testified similarly.³ His other son John also relayed the same story stating they were attempting to hide their goods when they were pressed into service.⁴ The third son does not appear to have testified.

Archibald's exact fate is uncertain despite the above statement from The Commons of Argyll. He may be the "Archibald Campbell in Paulswork" (another prison near Canongate Tolbooth where his sons were held) who was "[r]emitted to the Justices" on 24 July 1685.⁵

Archibald's descendants share the SNP R-FTB16962 which is estimated to have a most recent common ancestor (MRCA) about 1650.⁶ They share the upstream R-FTA93117 with the Campbells of Inverneill with a MRCA about 1550, and the further upstream R-FTB13858 with the Campbells of Craignish with a MRCA about 1150. The next upstream R-FGC10116 is shared with the main Campbell line, the Dukes of Argyll, with a MRCA about 950.⁷

Children of Archibald Campbell:

1. John Campbell.
2. Robert Campbell, b. say 1665.
3. [son] Campbell.