Edgar C. Campbell Sr.
Edgar Cuthbert Campbell Sr. was an American politician and civil servant in the city of Philadelphia, who served as a member of the city council from 1968 to 1976 and was, at the time of his death, labeled by many as the "dean" of the city's black political leaders. A native of Savannah, Georgia, he moved with his family to Philadelphia around 1920 and soon became involved in local politics. Like the majority of African American voters in that era, he was initially loyal to Republican Party, but he soon switched allegiances and became a Democrat. He worked his way up the party apparatus, culminating in a 1983 stint as acting chair of the city's Democratic committee.
Early life and family
Childhood and move to Philadelphia
Campbell was born on November 11, 1902, in Savannah, Georgia, his parents' only child. His father, the foreman at a sawmill, lost half of his arm to a workplace accident, and later operated a grocery store.He attended First African Baptist Church with his mother.