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Simon Cameron: the story on HearLore | HearLore
— Ch. 1 · The Printer Who Built Railroads —
Simon Cameron.
~9 min read · Ch. 1 of 7
On the 8th of March 1799, a boy named Simon Cameron was born in Maytown, Pennsylvania. His father Charles had emigrated from Scotland in 1766 and fought with the Continental Army. His mother Martha was the granddaughter of Hans Michel Pfoutz, one of the first Palatine Germans to reach the Thirteen Colonies. The family struggled financially. Charles worked as a tailor and tavern keeper but failed at both trades. In 1808, he moved north to Sunbury, then Lewisburg without his children. He died in January 1811. Young Simon boarded with Dr. Peter Grahl's childless family. They treated him like their own son. He expanded his rudimentary education using libraries belonging to Dr. Grahl and neighbors nearby.
In December 1813, Simon visited Philadelphia with Lorenzo Da Ponte, a librettist for Mozart. Soon after turning seventeen, Cameron apprenticed himself as a printer to Andrew Kennedy. Kennedy published the Sunbury and Northumberland Gazette. Financial troubles forced Kennedy to release Cameron from his indentures in 1817. He went to Harrisburg and signed on with James Peacock. Peacock published the Pennsylvania Republican, the leading newspaper outside Philadelphia. After two years, Cameron became assistant editor. This role brought him into direct contact with Pennsylvania politics. By 1842, he claimed to have attended almost every session of the state legislature since 1817.
Cameron met Samuel D. Ingham, Secretary of the Commonwealth. In January 1821, Ingham hired Cameron as editor of the Doylestown Messenger. The paper was not profitable and merged with another local publication within the year. Cameron lost that job. He then worked as a compositor for the Congressional Globe. The pay was low but ideal for a young man interested in politics. It allowed him to build contacts with national figures including U.S. President James Monroe and Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. In 1822, he returned to Harrisburg as partner in the Pennsylvania Intelligencer. He purchased the Republican and merged it with the Intelligencer using a loan from an uncle. These enterprises gave him enough security to marry Margaret Brua on the 16th of October 1822. They had ten children, six of whom reached adulthood.
From Democrat To Kingmaker
In 1823, Cameron's friend John Andrew Shulze won election as governor of Pennsylvania. Cameron spent several years holding the profitable post of State Printer. In 1829, Shulze appointed him Adjutant-General of Pennsylvania. That brief term earned him the rank of general, which he used as a title throughout his life. With this appointment, Cameron sold his stake in the Intelligencer and bought one in the Pennsylvania Reporter and Democratic Herald. He divested himself of interest in the printing trade yet ensured state contracts transferred to his brother James. Shulze also awarded Simon Cameron contracts for canal construction across Pennsylvania.
Cameron founded the Bank of Middletown and grew wealthy through banking, canals, and railroads. By the mid-1830s, he had built a national reputation within what was becoming known as the Democratic Party. He supported James Buchanan, who succeeded him in the Senate when Buchanan became Secretary of State in 1845. The two men eventually broke apart over political differences. Cameron opposed slavery's spread but believed Congress lacked power to abolish it where it already existed. He expected Southern states would eventually end slavery themselves.
The defeat of Van Buren for re-election in 1840 divided Pennsylvania Democrats. Some backed the former president while others supported Governor David R. Porter's administration. Both Cameron and Senator Buchanan joined the latter camp as Improvement Men. They supported public improvements, protective tariffs, and state banks. Cameron strongly opposed Van Buren's presidential candidacy in 1844. He worked to require a two-thirds vote at the national convention, effectively dooming Van Buren's chances. Polk won Pennsylvania and was elected president. Cameron remained unenthusiastic about Polk due to ambiguous tariff positions yet worked desultorily for his election.
The Winnebago Shadow
Seeking a federal position, Cameron asked Buchanan for help being appointed commissioner under the 1837 treaty with the Winnebago Indians. These commissioners adjudicated claims by traders owed money by tribe members or those of part-Native American descent. In August 1838, Cameron journeyed to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Territory. There they adjudicated traders' claims and compensation requests from people of mixed blood. Many such individuals were represented by whites. Allegations of abuse arose both at the time and since, though no documentary evidence was ever presented.
Biographer Paul Kahan noted that vague assertions of corruption became a hallmark of this scandal. Historians struggle to assess who told the truth because evidence remains absent. Another biographer Erwin S. Bradley stated briefly that Cameron exceeded instructions and showed poor business acumen failing to require bonds from third parties entrusted with certificates. Yet charges remain unproved. The impression of corruption long clouded Cameron's reputation. Enemies mocked him as the Great Winnebago Chief to his anger. This was the closest he ever came to placing his name before the public for a vote despite his long political career. Somewhat shunned after the affair, Cameron continued supporting Buchanan while building wealth through infrastructure projects.
The War Department Chaos
Lincoln nominated Cameron to be Secretary of War on the 5th of March 1861, the day after taking office as president. Cameron had borne the title general for over thirty years yet knew nothing of military science. He was sworn in as Secretary of War on the 12th of March 1861. The week delay occurred because Cameron remained in Pennsylvania. Some historians interpret this as meaning he did not take his new position seriously even amid worsening secession crisis. At Lincoln's first cabinet meeting on March 6, there was no mention of Fort Sumter. On March 15, Lincoln asked cabinet members their views on Sumter. Cameron stated the fort should not be resupplied since it could not be held indefinitely.
Cameron served only just over ten months. He led a War Department with ninety employees administering an army of seventeen thousand. Volunteers poured into Washington but received no guns, bullets, or uniforms. Cameron later admitted he was certainly not in a place to be envied. He failed to keep adequate records of what he did awarding military contracts. Often the only record was notes placed in his pocket. He allowed special agents who were not government officials to contract on behalf of the department. Millions of dollars passed through hands of these agents. While many worked competently without compensation, others proved corrupt such as Cameron's lieutenant Alexander Cummings who spent a quarter million dollars much wasted.
Exile And Return
On the 11th of January 1862, Lincoln sent Cameron a brusque letter dismissing him and offering the position of United States Minister to Russia. Cameron showed it to Chase and they consulted Seward. They persuaded Lincoln to withdraw the letter and substitute a warmer one making it appear Cameron chose the diplomatic post at his own request. Cameron resigned on January 13 though stayed until the 20th. He was replaced by Edwin M. Stanton. The Senate confirmed Lincoln's nomination of Cameron to be Minister to Russia on the 14th of January 1862, twenty-eight votes to fourteen.
Cameron had no great desire to go to Russia. On the 7th of May 1862, he departed New York aboard the ship Persia with wife Margaret, two children, private secretary, and legation secretary Bayard Taylor. Once in Europe, Cameron took a circuitous route through Great Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany allowing time for sightseeing. He did not arrive in St. Petersburg until June 15. Presented to Alexander II on June 25, Cameron found himself with time on hands. He disliked city and climate. Bilateral relations remained good after quiet US support during Crimean War. Secretary of State Seward instructed Cassius M. Clay to ensure Cameron left with little to do. Clay wrote to Lincoln that Cameron would not remain long asking for position back. That proved true; Cameron eager to salvage political career requested furlough from Seward. Though initially denied, he left anyway in September citing poor health of Margaret unable to bear Russian winter. Seward retroactively ratified departure. Camerons returned home early November.
The Machine Rebuilt
Even before resigning as minister to Russia, Cameron was candidate in January 1863 Senate election in Pennsylvania. Wilmot incumbent Republican frontrunner believed had no chance overcoming Democratic one-seat majority in General Assembly. Cameron's campaign boosted by Emancipation Proclamation making him appear leading way on freeing arming rebels' slaves. Wrote Cameron sarcastically well hurrah for Lincoln and Emancipation Proclamation use Black troops after War Minister deposed recommendation! Hurrah! Hurrah!
Despite this Cameron unable gain any Democratic votes in General Assembly. That party remembering events 1845 and 1857 stationed armed men state capitol. Governor Curtin refused intervene Democrat Charles Buckalew elected sixty-seven votes to sixty-five for Cameron and one for William D. Kelley. House issued report urging prosecution for bribery yet factions united against charges brought. Immediately Cameron started planning next Senate election 1867. He began rebuilding personal political machine composed many friends supporters across Pennsylvania fallen disrepair due absence state. Curtin health deteriorated governor. Cameron tried deny renomination else sideline getting diplomatic post plan Lincoln agreeable. Plot failed considerable popular support second Curtin term many Republicans felt only Curtin could win.
Legacy And Dynasty
Cameron won third Senate term the 4th of March 1867 session called nine months early law designed ensure Johnson would not control Reconstruction. In 1868 battle between president Congress culminated impeachment Andrew Johnson. Cameron strong supporter removing Johnson twice ruled out order presiding officer trial old cabinet colleague Chase now chief justice. Curtin faction remained threat public dismay selection Cameron over popular wartime governor. 1868 state party convention denied Cameron position chair Pennsylvania delegation 1868 Republican National Convention bound delegation support Curtin vice president he did not win.
Control Cameron machine passed seamlessly Don Cameron Quay remainder Simon lifetime saw son elected again twice 1879 1885 Matthew Quay elected Senate 1887. Having appointed Pennsylvanian major post Hayes left choice minister Britain state congressional caucus. When Simon name mentioned no one willing oppose learning some considered themselves coerced Hayes named John Welsh instead. February 1877 Cameron sued fifty thousand dollars Mary Oliver known Widow Oliver woman recommended job Treasury Department. Oliver alleged affair promised marriage September 1878 case settled thousand after which Oliver sued again dismissed situation widely covered newspapers caused embarrassment. Both Camerons supported Grant attempt gain third non-consecutive term 1880 when Congressman James A. Garfield got nomination thirty-sixth ballot Simon briefly campaigned visited new president White House May 1881.
Simon Cameron was born on the 8th of March 1799 in Maytown, Pennsylvania. His father Charles had emigrated from Scotland in 1766 and fought with the Continental Army.
What role did Simon Cameron hold during the Winnebago Indian treaty negotiations?
In August 1838, Simon Cameron journeyed to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Territory as a commissioner under the 1837 treaty with the Winnebago Indians. He adjudicated traders claims and compensation requests from people of mixed blood while allegations of abuse arose though no documentary evidence was ever presented.
How long did Simon Cameron serve as Secretary of War before resigning?
Simon Cameron served only just over ten months as Secretary of War after being sworn in on the 12th of March 1861. He resigned on the 13th of January 1862 and was replaced by Edwin M. Stanton following a dispute over military contracts and record keeping.
Why did Simon Cameron leave his post as Minister to Russia in 1862?
Simon Cameron departed New York aboard the ship Persia on the 7th of May 1862 and returned home early November citing poor health of Margaret unable to bear Russian winter. He requested furlough from Seward to salvage his political career despite bilateral relations remaining good.
When did Simon Cameron win his third Senate term and what law influenced this timing?
Simon Cameron won his third Senate term during the session called nine months early on the 4th of March 1867 under a law designed ensure Johnson would not control Reconstruction. This election occurred amidst impeachment proceedings against Andrew Johnson and internal Republican party conflicts.