Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1882-05-06
IN YEEy1OREAM.

IA M EhON, Esq ueuidLus htoio IMAM !"
passing notice in this community with
which lie was so long and usefully ideuti-
fled and in whose prosperity ne always
eyinced sincere and intelligent interest.
He was born in Shepherdstown, Vir-
Cinia, February DIST, 1885,. and died in
Pleasant Valley, Maryland, April 25th,
1882. having been for some time previous
" the Oldest living native Of this place
and likewise the last of his generation
all his brothers and sisters and the friends
of his youth having passed away before
him.
Mr.. Cameron, as is indicated by his
name, was of Scottish descent, his paternal
grandfather having been one of those
Highlanders who followed the fortunes OF
Prince Charles Edward and who fought
under his banner in the decisive battle OF
Cullodcn, which so efiectually disposed of
the claims of the unfortunate Stuart to
the throne of Great Britain and caused SO
many of his adhcrcnts, who were out
with him in 1.-The forty-tive,' TO abandon
their heath-cad hills for safer homes in
the American colonies. Possessing in .
marked degree those trait; which charac-
terized the clan of his fathers, Mr.. Cam
eron was 'fearless faithful and firm. "
When just eighteen years of age he yolun-
teered as soldier in the service OF his
country which ut that time was fighting
its second war for independence" The
company TO which he belonged was one
that was raised in Il single day ut Shop
hcrds!own, whence it marched, in lSli,to
the defense Of Baltimore, under the COM
mand Of Captain Bennett, Colonel Mason
being its regimeutal commander. Mr..
Cameron was the youngest member OF his
company and became its oldest survivor.
Though his term of service was short 1t
was long enough 10 prove his soldierly
qualities, for he did his duty faithfully I'M
ill he was honorably discharged on the
disbandment of his regiment. Upon one
occasion it is said that his Captain, wish
ing to test his fidelity when on guard at
night, attempted RUsE DE GUERRE by
which he nearly lost his life as the hands
Of the young volunteer and that, at anoth-
cr time, when on picket duty lie COM
PEELED the Colonel Of his regiment to dis
mount and "givc the countersign."
After the war he became one Of the
most active business men in the town of
his nativity and acquired considerable
property. subsequently and for many
years he was prominently connected with
the construction and superintendent OF
coming involved In the financial embar-
easements of that enterprise, III which all
his means were embarked, he lost his for
tune, no faint of dishonor however being
attached to his unJlcmshed name.
Prompted BY spirit OF enterprise he
Travelled extensively in our own country
at periods and to places when facilities for
transportation were comparatively few
and journies TO distant parts Of the Union
were not only diiicuiI but dangerous.
Four or five years of his erentful life
lS49-53) were passed in California, to
reach which he endured the hardsiTips OF
the overland route, returning by the 18TH
mus Of Panama and as when quite young
man he had also been engaged in business
ut New Orleans, his "reminiscences Of those
two episodes were exceedingly Interesting.
When he first went down the MissiSsip-
ri and Ohio there were but 1.-TWO steamboats,
on those rivers, (thc George Washing
tom and "Oliver Evans" the latter OF
which was afterwards called "The CoDsti-
tution'') and the Indians lurking behind
trees on the river banks were ready 10
slav such white neil as should venture
within range of their rifles or their more
primitive weapon, the bow.
On his journey to California, he was
one of the officers OF a large company who
went out under the leadership Of Captain
Brufi of the Engineer Corps, L. S. Army.
Their suficrings on the route were very
great especially from want of provisions
which were so scarce that for some time
they were in danger OF actual starvation.
He was reasonably successful in Califor-
MA and after his return engaged in busi-
ness in Georgetown, ID. c., resuming also,
for time, his connection with the Chesa-
peake and Ohio Canal Company. Finally
he retired altogether from active bust
ness, to small farm he owned in Mont
gomery county, Nd, and since the death
of his last wife, resided With his daughter
in Pleasant Valley, Nd, near Harper Is
Ferry, Virginia, where, as has been AZ
ready said, he died Oh the 25th Of April,
1882.
Although he suffered aecutely from the
disease tpneumonia) which caused his
death he manifested throughout his last
illness the highest graces of the christian
character. Not murmur or complaint es-
capped his lips, his faith was unwaTer-
ing, bis submission absolute, his resigna-
ton complete and he departed rejoicing
IN the well grounded hope of exchanging
a frail tenement of clay for ga house not
: In his politics Mr.. Cameron was an
.'Old Line Wing" and faithfully adhered
, TO the American Policy" Of Henry Clay
! of whom he was an ardent friend and adj
/ mirer. He was also staunch friend OF
the Union and when the civil war broke
/ out he removed 10 the District Of Columbia
! and gave most cordial support TO the
! National Government.
During the greater part OF his life ne
was an active Christian and devOtedly at
tached 10 the Methodist Church OF which
he was prominent member. As wa:
emphatically said Of him at his funeral IN
! this place-..HE WAS A GOOD MAS-good
/ i'm all the relations Of life-a good hus'
/ band, father, friend, citizen and christian
and 4 friendship of fifty years prompts
this sincere though imperfect tribute to hi
memory.
Two children survive him, son ant
: daughter, the former Of whom the Rev
I. Henry Clay Cameron is the eminent Pro
! lessor OF Greek in the College OF New Jer
sev at Princeton and the latter the wife o
Jsines II. Elgin, Esq of Pleasant Valley
| Maryland. t>sl