The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Campbell, John (editor)

CAMPBELL, John, American editor: b. Scotland 1653; d. March 1728. He was one of a family or kin of Boston booksellers and public officials whose relationships are not determinable. John, as postmaster, was the news centre of the New England provinces; and in 1703 was writing “news letters” of European news to Governor Winthrop of Connecticut, and perhaps to other governors, made up of information received from arriving travelers, etc., with inferences as to New England policy. In 1704 he concluded to make these public and for sale; and on 24 April issued the first newspaper in America, the Boston News Letter (q.v.), which he edited till 1722. In 1719 he was deprived of the postmastership. He was justice of the peace for Suffolk County for some years.