Edwin Campbell

(1866-1928) Edwin Campbell was an Australian actor and producer, known for character theatre roles and his for contribution to early Australian silent film, including The Squatter's Daughter. Edwin Campbell was born Edwin Henry Seals at 4 Liverpool Street, Hobart,Tasmania, Australia. The house is presently the site of the ABC studios, Tasmania Campbell joined the William Anderson's Premier Theatrical Company, landing significant roles in stage shows and touring overseas with Hans the Boatman and many other stage productions. His work was widely reviewed and over 100 articles can be found in major newspapers in both Australia and the United Kingdom which reference his work. Campbell was married twice and had one son, Edwin, with second wife, Lena Mary Ibbot Elsum in 1928 Australia\u002C Marriage Index\u002C 1788-1950. He appears to have adopted the surname 'Campbell' at the beginning of his acting career. The reason for the name change is presently unknown. Edwin's sister, Lavinia Seals, also adopted the surname Campbell and was a major beneficiary of the Cricketer, Lawyer and Pastoralist Donald Campbell. The adoption of the Campbell name by the family is mysterious as no vital document presently suggests an association. Other members of Campbell's family adopted the name after the death of his father, John Seals in 1888. The name Campbell continues as a middle name today. Early life: Campbell's parents were John Seals, Hobart Hospital Dispenser and Druggist, an ex-convict from Kent, England, who was also known in England by the alias Edwin Wickham. His mother was Mary Jane Cummings, alias Emily Campbell. Campbell's other sister was Henrietta Seals, who married the journalist and author Henry Mortimer Franklyn 1848-1900. Resulting connections in the media may have assisted Campbell with his career. Later life and death During his final years, Campbell became known as a rose grower and created a specialist rose garden at his home in Camberwell, Melbourne. He died from pancreatic cancer in 1927, at home in Camberwell, Melbourne aged 63. Australia\u002C Death Index\u002C 1787-1985, leaving his widow and son, Edwin Seals, 1926-2007 Australia\u002C World War II Military Service Records\u002C 1939-1945 Today he is survived by grandsons Christopher and Anthony Seals of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.