Altes H. Campbell, a prominent lawyer of Iola, is a native of Kansas, born near Carlyle, Allen county, May 4, 1862. He is a son of James H. and Bethia (Simpson) Campbell, natives of Indiana. James H. Campbell, the father came from Switzerland county, Indiana, to Kansas in 1860. He was an attorney and located in Allen county, where he practiced his profession several years. He was prominent in early day politics in Allen county, and served as county attorney from 1865 to 1867. During the years of 1863-64 he represented Allen county in the State Legislature. He continued the practice of his profession until 1870, when on account of failing health he was obliged to give up the practice of law. He met and married Bethia Simpson, after coming to Allen county. The Simpson family came from Park county, Indiana, to Allen county, Kansas in 1859. Mr. Simpson was a teacher and newspaper man in Indiana and Illinois, and after coming to Allen county, took a homestead and served as county superintendent of schools several terms. Altes H. Campbell was reared in the midst of the pioneer surroundings of Allen county, and attended the district schools near Carlyle, and on account of his father's poor health was compelled to make his own way early in life. He clerked in stores and worked at various odd jobs when a boy, and about 1880, began reading law. About this time he was employed as a haybaler, and subsequently as assistant postmaster at Iola. He continued to pursue the study of law while working at his various positions until August 21, 1885, when he was admitted to the bar. He then began the practice of his profession at Colony, and at the same time had an office at Iola. Three months later he removed to Iola, where he has since been engaged in the practice. He has been city attorney of Iola three terms, and was county attorney of Allen county one term, and was mayor of the city of Iola two years. He is a Republican and takes an active interest in local politics. He has also been active in the commercial development of Iola. Mr. Campbell was married June 12, 1888, to Mrs. Mary Jeanette Potter English, daughter of C. S. and Adelaide (Waful) Potter, natives of New York, where Mrs. Campbell was reared and educated. She taught school for a time in New York State and later was a teacher in an Indian school in Indian Territory. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born three children: Leslie J., Carl B. and Helen. The family are members of the Episcopal church and Mr. Campbell's fraternal affiliations are with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.