Campbell, Alexander. Founder of the sect known as the "Disciples of Christ." Born near Ballymena in County Antrim, Ireland, September 12, 1788. He emigrated to the United States in 1809. Though at first a Presbyterian, in 1812 he formed a connection with the Baptists, and for some time he labored as an itinerant preacher. In 1826 he published a translation of the New Testament, in which the words "baptism" and "Baptist" gave place to "immersion" and "immerser." By his discussions on public platforms and his serial publications, as well as his assiduity in preaching tours and training young men for the ministry, Campbell gradually formed a large party of followers who began, about 1827, to form themselves into a sect under the designation of "The Disciples of Christ." In 1841, Campbell founded Bethany College in West Virginia, where he died on March 4, 1866.

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