William Cameron 1795-1877

 

William Cameron 

William Cameron was the oldest of 8 children born to Charles Cameron.  Charles came from Scotland to Pennsylvania in 1775, at the age of 5 [or 7 - accounts vary].  He married Martha Pfoutz around 1794.

The family moved to Sunbury in 1809, then from  Sunbury to Washingtonville, and finally,  in 1810, settled in Lewisburg.  

"His father was a tailor, and William Cameron was taught that trade. This he worked at diligently except that when trade was dull and the rivers raised their annual seasonable floods, by which the produce of Central Pennsylvania was carried by fleets of boats and arks to their markets in Harrisburg. Columbia, Baltimore and other cities below, he forsook his needle to join the rivermen and many a time walked home to Lewisburg from the Chesapeake Bay region, footsore and weary. "

In 1814 he volunteered as a private in the “Northumberland Blues” Regiment under Colonel Weirick, and served till the end of the War of 1812. On January 5, 1820 he married Eleanor McLaughlin. Eight children were born to this union; Elizabeth, Mary, Martha Jane, Margaret, Mary Martha, Simon, and William Jr. and Jane. Four of the children died in infancy or early childhood, and only two outlived him. These were Mary, wife of John B. Packer of Sunbury and Jane, wife of Dr. Francis C. Harrison of Lewisburg." 

When a regiment was raised in this section for the War of 1812, some time in September, 1814, he volunteered as a private in the Northumberland County Blues, attached to Col. George Weirick's regiment, and marched to Marcus Hook. This regiment appears to have been discharged in Philadelphia in the latter part of December, 1814.

"Cameron in his old age used to reminisce of his regiment's muster in Philadelphia, how they marched out from the city about Fourth street to the "Old Brick Tavern" and camped on Union Green."

 "After his discharge from the service he returned to Lewisburg and followed his trade until he saw his opportunity to carve a fortune for himself by the application of hard work"

William was married January 5th, 1820, to Miss Eleanor McLaughlin, by the Rev. Thos.

Hood. The marriage ceremony took place at the residence of Mr. Wm. Young stone house then in White Deer township, now Kelly.  "Because of this fact, he purchased said property, and a few years ago he had it greatly improved--particularly the room in which the marriage ceremony was performed, which was furnished with the costliest paper, carpet, etc,"

In 1828, he was awarded contracts Internal Improvement contracts.  The tunnel at Elizabethtown, on the Harrisburg, Mt. Joy and Lancaster road; the railroad bridge, at Harrisburg, on the Cumberland Valley road; the dams at Columbia and at Lewisburg : several heavy sections on the Pennsylvania canal, and other important improvements were the result of his untiring energy and labors. 

Regarding the canal, "It was said that William Cameron's share of the profit was $10,000. and he and his partners went to Harrisburg to draw the money, a snug fortune in those days."

On February 19,1827, William Cameron was appointed a Justice of the Peace by Governor Schulz.  He held that office until the adoption of the Constitution of 1838 when justices were elected by popular vote. 

This 1840 painting of William Cameron hung in the bank at Lewisburg until 2024, when it was gifted to the William Cameron fire house in Lewisburg.  It's now on display in their museum.

William Cameron was responsible, for among other public works, the contract for the cross-cut canal at Lewisburg.  Opened in October 1833, the cross cut connected Lewisburg to the canal along the east side of the Susquehanna River.   More about the Cross Cut Canal

Between 1839 and 1841, William was engaged in the wholesale dry goods business in Philadelphia. He also, in partnership with his brother, Simon did much contract work in canal and railroad construction.

"He built a railroad tunnel at Elizabethtown, the railroad bridge over Susquehanna at Harrisburg for the Cumberland Valley railroad and dams at Columbia and Lewisburg The years 1839 to 1841 saw William Cameron in the wholesale drygoods business in Philadelphia under the firm name of Welsh, Cameron & Co. 

He was also a leading member of a firm that first successfully operated the railroad from Columbia to Philadelphia, then part of the public works and owned by the state. During the first year the road was not a success under state management and was getting deeper into debt when Cameron was solicited to take hold of it and under him it became a success."

$5 and $10 from an uncut proof sheet of the Lewisburg Bank, Haxby PA420. 
Portraits on the $10 are John P. Anderson of the Juniata on the right lower corner and U.S. Senator Simon Cameron on the left.  
The $5 shows Colonel Eli Slifer on the lower right corner and Wm. Cameron, Esq., president of the Lewisburg Bank, on the left.

In 1853 William established the Lewisburg Savings Institution which later became the Lewisburg National Bank. During its early years the bank was operated from the Cameron residence at Second and Market Streets (southwest corner). In the summer of 1887 the business was moved across the street (southeast corner) .   

David Reber, Cashier, on left, William Cameron, Bank President, on right

Williams served as president of the bank for two terms, 1853-1855 and 1857-1868. In 1927, the bank moved to its present location at Fourth and Market Streets.

In 1854, William Cameron was one of the men guaranteeing that if the seat of Union County was to be located in Lewisburg, they would pay for all of the necessary county buildings - that there would be no expense for the taxpayers.

In 1857, William Cameron, along with Eli Slifer, was one of the directors for the newly formed Lewisburg Gas Company.

In 1861, current day Montandon was was named Cameronia in honor of the Cameron family.

The name was changed in 1867, due to mail being mistakenly sent to a similarly named town in Cameron County. See more here.

The Cameron Colliery

"William L. Dewart built the first coal breaker on the tract, and William Cameron secured it just before the outbreak of the civil war. "  The first owner of the tract of land was John Brady, thought to have been  the son of Captain John Brady of Muncy.

More about the Cameron Colliery Here

William was a heavy stockholder in a number of river bridges -notably of the Milton and Lewisburg bridges ; and at the time of the flood in 1865, which carried away the latter, he possessed a controlling interest in the stock of said bridge. 

One secret of his success in acquiring wealth, was his zeal in buying up real estate- good farms- and placing them in the hands of trusted tenants. Farm after farm was purchased, the total number being  23 situated in Union and adjoining counties. He likewise became the owner of many valuable residences in Lewisburg, besides having mortgages or judgments on much other valuable real estate in town and country.

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Gifting A Silsby Fire Engine To Lewisburg

As the story goes, " In 1874, a salesman from Silsby was demonstrating the capabilities of their steam powered, horse drawn fire engine when a local businessman and banker named William Cameron said he would buy the engine if it could produce a stream of water as high as the Baptist Church tower.  They were successful and he insisted on purchasing that very engine, as well as three hose carts for the princely sum of $10,000."

According to the Lewisburg Chronicle, a Silsby salesman  from NY stopped in Lewisburg and asked if they could demonstrate their fire engine there.  The men at Lewisburg told them they were welcome to come, but that that it was very unlikely they would be able to purchase the apparatus. 

Or, as the Lewisburg Journal reported:

"Some weeks since an agent for the Silsby Fire engine Manufacturing Company of Seneca Falls N.Y. visited Lewisburg and endeavored to induce the council to purchase one of the famous steam engines manufactured by that company.  he was told that it was scarcely possible at the present time, but that it he took any past this place he might make a favorable impression by stopping here with the engine and exhibiting it's worth."

On January 24th 1874 a  Silsby was paraded down market street,  and displayed at the market house. "Of course it was the talk for the remainder of the day, and large numbers gathered on Saturday evening and Sunday to see it.

"Among those who gave it a thorough examination and was particularly pleased with the beauty of it's design was William Cameron Esq, one of the most respected and wealthiest of our citizens.  To a friend he remarked that if the engine worked as well as was represented, our citizens should not leave it go out of town." - The Lewisburg Journal

 If Mr. Cameron made such a claim about the Baptist Church tower, either the journal neglected to report it, or I missed reading it.  Either way, it's a fun story, and Cameron did indeed offer to purchase the Silsby for Lewisburg.

On Monday January 26th, the engine was taken  to market street "to the race, where the steam was gotten up in a few minutes and the engine performed so satisfactorily that all were delighted with it."

Mr. Cameron, who was in the crowd watching the demonstration, then signaled to Mr. Lawshe, the chairman of the committee council, and told him he would purchase the machine for the borough of Lewisburg, provided it would be accepted.  A committee was immediately appointed, and a contract drawn up.  Mr Cameron requested that the council purchase an engine a size larger  than the one that had been exhibited, along with hose, carriage, and everything necessary, not to exceed $10,000 [roughly the equivalent of $284,000 in 2026]

The engine purchased would throw three streams, 600 gallons a minute, "to a distance of 200 feet, and perpendicularly perhaps 150 feet".

On February 14, 1874, thousands of appreciative citizens turned out to watch a six-horse team pull the newly arrived steam engine out Market Street to 8th and then back to Water, where it was put to the test.

"it threw a stream of water ten feet above the Baptist Church steeple, and that piece of architecture is 174 feet 4 inches above the earth"

The minutes of a special council meeting, held on Monday the 16th, give many details about the various tests done with the engine that Saturday.  All were found quite impressive, and the engine was accepted.

At 1pm on Monday February 16th, the members of the fire company gathered at the Market house where the fire apparatus was kept.  Joined by the Lewisburg Silver Cornet Band, a parade was formed.  The line up included:

Silver Cornet Band

Mr S.D. Bates, chief of the fire department

Silsby Steamer

Three hose carriages

The Valiant

The Valiant - in the museum on 5th street, Lewisburg Pa

The valiant was the companies old apparatus, which the Chronicle noted "which though years ago the pride of the borough, looked like a mere toy in comparison with the mammoth steamer at the head of the columns".

Modern day view of 201 Main Street - The Home Of William Cameron

(Later, Betty Cook's house)

The march was made out market to near 8th, "returned to Water street, then formed in front of Squire Cameron's residence.  Here perhaps over a thousand citizens had collected to witness the presentation ceremonies. "

Neighboring boroughs were represented, and the town of Lewisburg "had a general holiday".  The speeches given at this time were printed in the paper for all to read.  Mr. Baker reported that the amount paid by Squire Cameron for the steam fire engine, hose, and carriage, was $9,750. 

The engine was then taken back to the race on Market Street, for further demonstrations.

"Through the generosity of Squire Wm. Cameron, he presented to the Borough of Lewisburg $10,000 for the purchase of a steam powered fire engine made by the Silsby Co. In honor of this generous gift, the present fire company, at that time, voted to change their name to "The William Cameron Engine Company," which is still in existence. This occurred in the year 1874. [ While the country was still in the throes of the panic of 1873]"

The silsby was used to pump water out of basements, after the 1936 flood.

The 1874 Silsby Fire Engine can be seen today , at the museum across from the station on 5th street.  (Open by appointment)

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William Cameron in 1874

" Mr. Cameron has been popularly known as the wealthiest man in our vicinity, the amount of his wealth being a matter of diverse opinions. He knew, doubtless, to a dollar; but as that knowledge was none else's concern, he kept it to himself. Many thoughtless persons censured him for what they deemed want of benevolence. This censure was wrongly applied, as many a poor man and woman can testify. His acts of charity were kept to himself-and they were many."

The above tribute to William Cameron ran in the Lewisburg Journal, Jan 30th 1874

At the end of an article about the donation of the Silsby engine.

Also in 1874, William Stocked Fish In Lewisburg

[Full article at the bottom of this page]

William Cameron died of cancer in 1877. "The disease was apparent on the left cheek but perhaps permeated his entire system."

"The remains were enclosed in one of Stein's patent burial caskets, similar to the one in which the late Vice President Wilson was buried. It was handsome, and is said to have been the finest casket eye: brought to this place'

In his will, he left 1,400,000 [one million, four hundred thousand dollars] to his daughter, Mary [Cameron] Packer, the wife of Hon. John Packer of Sunbury.

The will was highly contested, as there were other siblings, and grandchildren, who received in comparison, very small amounts.

One Million four hundred thousand dollars in 1878 is roughly the equivalent of nearly 34 million today.

In 1895, Mrs. Mary [Cameron] Packer gave six thousand dollars towards a hospital, "with the sole proviso that it forever remain non sectarian in character and free to all who would be unable to pay for treatment". The Purdy mansion was purchased for $20,000, and the house was outfitted as a hospital.

See more about that here

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The children of Charles & Martha included:
William Cameron
Simon Cameron - The Senator
John - Killed At Bull Run [civil war - Cameron Park in Sunbury is named for him]
Mrs. Catherine Bobba
Mrs. Eliza Warford

" The act to provide for the commencement of a canal along the Susquehanna to be constructed at the expense of the state and to be known as the Pennsylvania canal was passed by the state assembly February 25, 1826. By June 1, 1829, 488½ miles were under contract and completed at a cost of $10.000,000.| The West Branch canal was completed as far as Muncy, General Abbott Green and Cameron secured a contract. awarded November 24, 1827, on the eastern division from Duncan's Island to the mouth of Swatara Creek. The next year the largest contract on the West Branch, sections Nos. 1 and 2, and the guard lock at Muncy Hill, were let to a known as Cameron, Ritner & Cameron. It was said that William Cameron's share of the profit was $10,000. and he and his partners went to Harrisburg to draw the money, a snug fortune in those days."

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From the website of the William Cameron Fire Company, in Lewisburg - 

William Cameron: A Poor Boy Who Struck it Rich

William Cameron, son of Charles and Martha Pfoutz Cameron was born in Lancaster County on October 15, 1795.

William was the oldest of eight children of which the most illustrious was Simon, who served several terms in the U.S. Senate, was Secretary of War, 1861-1862 and severed as Ambassador to Russia, 1862-1865. Another brother, Colonel James Cameron was killed at the Battle of Bull Run.

Charles Cameron moved his family from Lancaster County to Sunbury in 1808, later Washingtonville, and in 1810 to Lewisburg. Here he operated a tailor shop until the time of his death in 1814. His wife, Martha died in 1830. Both are buried in the Lewisburg cemetery on the same plot with the William Cameron family.

William worked with his father at the tailor trade for several years. In 1814 he volunteered as a private in the “Northumberland Blues” Regiment under Colonel Weirick, and served till the end of the War of 1812. On January 5, 1820 he married Eleanor McLaughlin. Eight children were born to this union; Elizabeth, Mary, Martha Jane, Margaret, Mary Martha, Simon, and William Jr. and Jane. Four of the children died in infancy or early childhood, and only two outlived him. These were Mary, wife of John B. Packer of Sunbury and Jane, wife of Dr. Francis C. Harrison of Lewisburg.

William Cameron was appointed a Justice of the Peace by Governor Schulze on February 19,1827, and he held that office until the adoption of the Constitution of 1838 when justices were elected by popular vote. From 1839 to 1841 he was engaged in the wholesale dry goods business in Philadelphia. He also, in partnership with his brother, Simon did much contract work in canal and railroad construction.

In 1853 he established the Lewisburg Savings Institution which later became the Lewisburg National Bank. During its early years the bank was operated from the Cameron residence at Second and Market Streets (southwest corner). In the summer of 1887 the business was moved across the street (southeast corner) to the building now occupied by the Heim Insurance Agency. William Cameron served as president of the bank for two terms, 1853-1855 and 1857-1868. In 1927, the bank moved to its present location at Fourth and Market Streets.

William Cameron lived through many significant historical events, both nationally and locally. These included the War of 1812, the era of railroad and canal building, the Mexican War, the slavery issue and the Civil War, and the Panic of 1873. In spite of these setbacks the community continued to move forward. In 1855, Lewisburg became the county seat of Union County, which led the construction of the courthouse at Second and St. Louis Streets. The building cost $25,000 and the amount was raised by entirely by public subscription. William Cameron served as a member of the building committee. In 1869, the first railroad entered Lewisburg, and the following year the streets were first lighted by gas.

In 1874, when the country was still in the throes of the Panic of 1873, William Cameron made a gift of $10,000 to the Borough of Lewisburg for the purchase of a Silsby Steam Fire Engine together with hose and hose carriages. In his honor the fire company was named the William Cameron Engine Company.

At the time of his death on September 10, 1877, William Cameron was one of the wealthiest men in the community. His holding included more than a dozen farms and parcels of land with a total of roughly 2,000 acres, six houses, many lots, a large number of mortgages, U.S. Bonds, railroad bonds bank stock in three banks (Lewisburg, Sunbury, and Middleburg), bridge stock in both the Lewisburg and Milton bridges, and extensive coal lands. His fortune was variously estimated from seven hundred thousand dollars to two million dollars.

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FISH