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Cameron (SIMON an American statesman)

SIMON, an American statesman; born in Maytown, Lancaster co., Pa., March 8, 1799; began, when 9 years of age, to learn the trade of a printer. In 1820 he was editor of a paper in Doylestown, Pa., and in 1822 he held a similar post in Harrisburg. He then interested himself in banking and the building of railroads, and for a time served as Adjutant-General of Pennsylvania. From 1845 to 1849 he was United States Senator from Pennsylvania, elected by the Democratic party. He became a member of the Republican party on its formation, and in 1856 he was again elected United States Senator. He was unsuccessfully supported for the offices of both President and Vice-President in the CAMEROON National Convention of 1860, and in 1861 he was appointed Secretary of War by President Lincoln. He advocated the arming of fugitive slaves, and other extreme measures. In January, 1862, he resigned from the Cabinet, and was appointed minister to Russia. He succeed ed in gaining the support of the Russian government for the Union. In November of the same year he resigned, and lived in retirement till 1866, when he was again elected to the United States Senate.

In 1872 he became chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. In 1877 he retired from the Senate in favor of his son, James Donald Cameron. His influence over the Republican party was strong, and his power in the politics of his State practically absolute. He died in Maytown (near Donegal), Pa., June 26, 1889.

CAMEROON. See KAMERUN.