Alexander Campbell ( October 4 , 1814 – August 8 , 1898 ) was an Illinois businessman , politician , and author . After serving in state and local office as a member of the Whig Party and the Republican Party , Campbell published a book titled the '' The True American System of Finance '' , becoming a leading figure in the Greenback movement . Campbell 's work expanded on that of economist Edward Kellogg , who had advocated for fiat money . Campbell served a single term in the United States House of Representatives as an independent , and won the backing of several delegates for the presidential nomination at the 1876 and 1880 Greenback National Convention
1880 Greenback National Convention
1880 Greenback National Convention
Alexander Campbell (Illinois politician)