Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-01-20
A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH


The Life of Hon. J. N. Camden Re
viewed
Johnson NewGt1 Camden was born
March, lS2S, iii Lewis county, now
West Virginia. When he was abont IL
years OF aye, his parents removed with
him 10 Sutton, the county seat oil BraN-
ton county, where he received the rudi-
ments of an education. lie spent some
time at the Northwestern Academy, at
Clarksburg, school then somewhat IA
NOUS as preparation! f. tcadtmy, Al
forwards he was sent by his parents TO
Rector College for short time, from
which he was transferred by appoint
ment to West Point, where he received
the thorough training and oduca-
ten for which that school has
worldwide reputation. Before hls iull
course was completed, however, he
grew tired Of military lie, and not caring
10 adopt the profession OF killing his tel-
low men for Il livelihood, he lett that
school to study law. Very shortly after
qualifying himself and receiving his
license, he was elected Prosecuting At
torney Of Braxton and Nicholas coun-
ties. lie there pursued ms profession
with diligence and success; but IN open
lag offering, he returned - Weston and
accepted a position in the Exchange
BaOk at Weston, where he laid the ioun-
datiou Tor the successful business career
which has crowned his lsbOrs.
After firing of the mOnO,ony OF the
hum drum lie in country bank, he
resigned his place and returned to the
practice of his favuritc profession-that
of the LAWN which he remained ac-
lively engaged until the oil excitement
sprung up in 1860. Like many an other
ardent nature he caught the excitement,
and at once commenced, with all the
wonderful energy vi his nature, to de-
yelop that interest at Burning Springs,
in Writ county. In this venture he
proved great success, and the ability
which he developed TO manage large en-
terprises attracted the attention ol
shrewd business men and capitalists,
and lie seun naturally be-
came Unidentified with the prin-
cipal interests OIL PArkershuIg section
of country. lie opened up rcli0eries
and staye factories, and other manuiac.
turing interests at Parkersburg and
other points, which gave employment
to hundreds of wOrkmcn, and distrbut
Ell thousands of dollars throughout the
State. In the financial depression when
most every factory was closed, throwing
hundreds Of laborprs out OF employ.
ment, his factOTl 5 were kept running
even at financial sacrifice To aid the
laborerS. BN this astu,c business tact
he was.tnab,cd. when the oil production
i'm West Nirg' MIA faltered, TO ship oil in
tank barses ir IN - Pm nlsylvaia oil I
yions to ParkersbuIg anu then refine 1t,
buy slaves and make barrels and ship IL
10 Baltimore and compete with the
PENNSYLVANIA railroads, thus giving en-
ploymeut to hundreds Ut labOrers and
bringing Thrift AMI prOsrerity to his
town and State lie was instrumental
in opening up the Little kanawAa river
To commerce and tray el, and the forests
of Writ, Gilmer AMI BraxtOn are now
being turned into money His public
and generous spirit has placed him at
the front OF every enterprise in his
adopted city, and To day ParScrsburg
owes much TO his euterprisin.Z al.
Not only has ParkerSUuTg ielt his in
domitab,c energy, but the people of
Weston feel that they owe him 4 debt ot
gratitude Ion = 10 b. remembered. To
him they are indebted for the narrow
gauge railroad from Csrksburg to Wes-
ton, Wh,n it VAS tagging and was con
sidered almost hop.lessly lost, he was
appealed to for aid. The appeal was
not in vain. By his rare eXe-
cutive ability, together with large
investment in money the road
was pushed to completion, and Weston
is twenty years advanced by his aid.
Lumber, produce and other trade finds
now a ready market and at good prices.
His operations are not confined to one
portion of the State. Bat recently he
has given new lie to the White sulphur
Springs, in Greenbrier county, W. Va,
New and better accommodations have
already been made for visitors; con-
tracts have recently been cqpsummated
which will increase the accommodations
fer guests there from 1000 to 5000 per-
SOUS; and it is his pride to make that
famous resort the Saratoga OF TIE
South, and thus thousands OF dollars
will be invited from all sections 10 be
spent in West Virginia, and will float
and ramiiy to every part OF the State.
He is the ardent friend and worker
for every contemplated Improvement in
the State. The Wheeling aud Parkers-
burg, the Pdrkersburg and Charleston
railroads, and the contemplated railroad
from Weston TO Buckhannon has his
warmest support. Ii he has hobby"
it is that he may aid and live 10 see
West Virginia traversed with network
OF railroads and telegraph, and that her
forests OF coal may be brought into mar
ket, knowing that untold wealth is lock-
ed up in het 'astness,s lie ha imported
the finest breeds OF cattle and horses
from France, Il at farmers may be profit
ed and progressive.
Politically he has been as ardent and