The National tribune., 1889-07-04
GEN. CAMERON IS DEAD.

The End OF Long, Successful and Useful Career.
Gen. Simon Cameron, who was stricken with
paralysis on Thursday, June 90, ut his home
in Donegal Springs. Pa, died at o'clock p. m.
Wednesday, june 20, aged 80 years. He was
born in 1893, within mile Of the place where
his death occurred.
The Generals condition during the day of
his death was rather encouraging, and death
came suddenly from weak spell. Up to the
last attack he was conscious and had no trou-
bio to swallow the food given him, and which
he appeared to assimiate. Around the death
bed were ex-Attorney- General MacVeagh and
wife, the daughter Of the General Mrs Halde-
man, James Cameron, Simon b. Cameron,
(grandsons) and wife, and Mrs. David Watts, o
granddaughter
In 1915 Gen. Cameron became a printers
apprentice in the office of the Northumberland
Gazette, where he remained for two years, and
when the office was sold, went to Harrisburg
and accepted the same position upon the Penn
syvania Republican. Here he served out his
time and became full. nedged ourneyman.
In 1880, when 81 years of age, and after hav-
ing served as Senator Secretary of War and
Minister to Russia, when asked by the census
enumerator in what occupation he would be
classed, bo said: | am a printer by trade.s
After finishing hisapprenticeship Gen. Came
roa went to DOylestown, and became editor Of
the Messenger. This paper he soon sold out,
"hN io tHcb tdihb W washington anu look u
case on the National Inteliigepcer From here he
went to Harrisburg and got control of a paper
and bid for the State printing, which he got,
and from which no made money enough to
embark in contracts for the construction of the
Pennsylvania Canal, where no made money
very rapidly. He then went to Louisiana and
obtained the contract for digging tho New Or
leans and Lake Poutchartrain Canal, which he
completed successfully, and made considerable
money.
In the year 1929 he was appointed Adjntant-
General of the State by Gov Shulze, from
which appointment he obtained his title of
General. He only occupied the position for
few months. He then became interested in
railroads, and was one of the first men in Penn
syivauia TO organize companies throughout
the State.
Gen. Cameron took very active interest in
politics. and was always delegate to all the
National Conventions. He was Democrat,
and entered tho Senate as such in 1874 He
was defeated for denomination at the end Of
his term. In 1851 he joined the Know Moth
ing Party, and ran for the Senatorship against
Gov. Andrew q. Curtin. A deadlock ensued,
which lasted until the end Of the legislative
session.
In 1856 Gen. Cameron acted with the Free
Sellers, and headed the Electoral ticket in
Pennsylvania for Fremont. He was elected to
the U. S. Senate this year over John w. For
ney, tue nominee OF the Democrats.
In 1860 Gen. Cameron was the choice of the
Pennsylvania Republicans for the Presidency,
aud they backed him in the convention at
Chicago until IL became known that his nom-
ination was impossible, when he threw his sup
port to President Lincoln, who, upon his in
anRuration, made him Secretary of War. Early
IN the Winter OF 1861 he resigned this position
AMI accepted the Russian mission, and remain
ed in St Petersburg until the Winter of 1853,
when he returned to this country, and again
became candidate for u. s. Senator, but was
defeated by one vote.
In 1866 Gen. Cameron was again elected us
Senator, and succeeded himself in 1872 In 1877
no resigned his seat in the Senate to which
his son, james Donald Cameron. was immediately
elected. and the greatest politician PennsyI-
vania has ever produced has lived in retire
mcnt ever since, only occasionally taking part
In the affairs of the State. lie was a most re-
markable man, and his loss will be keenly felt
by thousands of Pennsylvania politicians for
he was always friend to his friends and sup
porters.
AS mark Of respect TO his memory the War
Department was closed on Saturday the day of
the funeral and the building ordered draped
in mourning for 80 days. He was buried from
his home in Harrisburg