Campbell, Persia (1898–1974)

Australian-American economist. Name variations: Persia Crawford Campbell. Born Persia Crawford Campbell, Mar 15, 1898, in Sydney, Australia; died Mar 2, 1974, in Queens, NY; dau. of Rodolphe Campbell (primary schoolteacher) and Beatrice (Hunt) Campbell; Sydney University, AB, 1918, and AM; London School of Economics, MSc, 1923; also attended Bryn Mawr; m. Edward Rice Jr. (American electrical engineer), 1931 (died 1939); children: son Edward (b. 1933), daughter Sydney (b. 1934).

Was research economist for Industrial Commission of New South Wales and taught economics courses for Workers' Educational Association (1926–30); became US citizen (1937); helped found Consumers' National Federation (1930s), National Association of Consumers (1947), and Consumer Federation of America (1960); worked at Queens College, NY (1939–65), as instructor in economics department, becoming head of department of social sciences (1960) and emeritus professor of economics (1965); worked with United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 1940s–50s); appointed 1st consumer counsel of NY (1954); was a member of Consumers Union board of directors (1959–74); conducted radio and tv broadcasts to raise consumer awareness about rights (1962–63); named to President's Council of Economic Advisers (1962, 1964). Wrote Chinese Coolie Emigration (1923), Consumer Representation in the New Deal (1940) and Mary Williamson Harriman (1960).