The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-08-31
I'D. CAMERON, NOTED
SENATOR, DIES AT 50
Succeeded Father in Pennsyl-
v8nia Politics: Was Fol-
lowed by Quay.
$4,OOO,0OO FOR FAMILY
Trust Fund Created, Principal
to Go to Last Survivor of
Six Children.

MrDDLETowN. Pa. Aug. so.-James
Donald Cameron, twenty years United
States Senator from Pennsylvania and
Secretary Of War during part OF Presi-
| dent Grants Administration, died at his
home here to-day, aged So.
Senator Don" Cameron. as he was
popularity known during a long ana ac-
tive political career. was born in Mid
dletown. May ~. 1898. the son Of Simon
Cameron, one Of the founders OF the
Republican party In Pennsylvania, who
preceded his son in the Senate. where he
served continuously for thirty-two years.
The family was OF Scotch origin. Senator
Cameron's ancestors having emigrated
to this country after the battle OF Gull
loden
Born to wealth and influence. Donald
Cameron. after his graduation from
Princeton in 1852. entered his fathers
bank in Middletown and was its presl-
dent when It was made a national bank.
Later he moved to Harrisburg and as his
| business interests broadened. became
identified with the Northern Central
Railroad In addition to several other
financial institutions. three steel mills
and a typewriter company.
Quay His Opponent.
His public career began with his ap-
pointment as President Grants Secre-
tary of War in 1876. He resigned to en-
ter the Senate in 1877, having been
elected to I'LL the unexpired term OF his
father who had retired. He remained in
! the Senate until 1897 when he also re-
tired. to devote his whole time to his
business interests, though his political
opponents said II was because Senator
Matthew Quay, who was fast coming
| into power as the political dictator of
Pennsylvania, was certain to prevent
his return to Washington.
During part of his time in the Senate
the eight years when Grover Cleve-
land was President-the Republicans
were out of power. but during all the
Republican years Cameron was promi-
nent figure. and n notable character in
the social as well as political life OF
Washington. In 1880 he was chairman
OF the Republican National Committee
and with Logan. Illinois. and Roscoe
Conkling, New York. member OF the
triumvIrate, which sought to bring about
the nomination OF Grant for third
term.
Realised Power Had Waned.
In his senatorial career Cameron had
become known as free silver man. and
when he retired the rumor was abroad
that he was nourishing an ambition for
the Presidency. This he never denied.
but he had no illusions on the subject.
and in declining to make another run for
the Senate did so because he was aware
that the political power which he and his
father between them had welded in their
State for fifty-two years had come to a
definite end and that Matt Quay was
boss.
He never took any part in politics
afterward. and never made another pub.
lie speech. Leaving the field to Quay. he
retired to his estate. Donegal. in Lam
caster county. became noted for his
fancy farm products and his prize win
ming live stock. and in the intervals of
his life as a country gentleman devoted
himself with ever increasing success to
his varied financial and business inter-
ests.
Senator Cameron married shortly
after he left college, his bride being Miss
Mary Mccormick daughter OF James
Mccormick. at that time a distinguished
figure at the Pennsylvania bar. They
had six children, Ave daughters and a
son, James NJ. Cameron. all of whom are
living He is survived also by his sec
ond wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Sher-
mas.
Four wears ago he establ shed a trust
estate of 100000 for the benefit OF
his children and grandchildren. The
income is to be shared by them equally
in their lifetimes and the principal. with
the family estate. Donegal. is to go TO
"a "a ct