From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Madison Campbell was born in Madison County, KY, about ten miles south of Richmond, KY. In some sources, he is referred to as Matthew Campbell. He was enslaved by Edly Campbell.

Madison Campbell was baptized in 1856 by Jacob Bush of the Richmond Colored Church. He purchased his freedom in 1863 and began preaching at a number of churches in the Richmond/Berea area, baptizing hundreds of African Americans. He was instrumental in the development of churches such as the New Liberty Church, where he preached until 1873; Mt. Pleasant Church, built in 1873; and Otter Creek Baptist Church, built in 1876.

Madison Campbell was the first pastor of the First Baptist Church in downtown Richmond and also helped organize the Mt. Pleasant District Association in 1873. He is buried in the Old Soldiers Cemetery in Richmond.

For more see Autobiography of Eld. Madison Campbell: pastor of the United Colored Baptist Church, Richmond, Kentucky, by M. Campbell.