Simon Cameron moved from the printing trade into the heights of American power by leveraging a fortune amassed in railroads, canals, and banking. His career spanned over half a century, moving from state-level appointments to the United States Senate and eventually serving as the Secretary of War at the dawn of the American Civil War.
Early Career and Media Influence
Born in Maytown, Pennsylvania, in 1799, Cameron began his working life as an apprentice printer. By 1817, he reached Harrisburg, eventually becoming an assistant editor at the Pennsylvania Republican. His exposure to the state capital provided him with a platform to influence political discourse. In 1822, he purchased the Republican newspaper, which provided the financial security to marry Margaret Brua. Through various editorial roles, he developed networks with figures including James Monroe and John C. Calhoun.
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Cameron leveraged his political connections to secure lucrative state contracts, including work on Pennsylvania canals. He founded the Bank of Middletown, serving as a pillar of his financial success. By the mid-19th century, he had successfully diversified his holdings across banking, rail, and infrastructure projects, becoming a wealthy businessman in the process.
Political Shifts and the Senate
Initially a supporter of James Buchanan, Cameron served his first term as a United States senator from 1845 to 1847, succeeding Buchanan. Following a shift away from the Democratic Party, he joined the Republicans in 1856. He won further Senate terms, serving from 1857 to 1859, 1859 to 1861, 1869 to 1871, and 1873 to 1875. His support was instrumental for Abraham Lincoln at the 1860 Republican National Convention.
Wartime Service and Final Years
President Lincoln appointed Cameron as Secretary of War in 1861. Following allegations of corruption and management difficulties during the opening of the American Civil War, he served as minister to Russia in 1862. He later returned to Pennsylvania, rebuilding his political machine. Donald Cameron. He died in 1889 at the age of 90 and was buried at the Harrisburg Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1799, Maytown, Pennsylvania
- Died: 1889, Maytown, Pennsylvania
- United States Secretary of War: 1861-1862
- Burial site: Harrisburg Cemetery
- Spouse: Margaret Brua
- Political Party: Republican (post-1856)
- Primary occupations: politician, diplomat, banker
Questions readers ask
What major government positions did Simon Cameron hold?
He served as a United States senator during several terms between 1845 and 1875, as well as United States Secretary of War and as a diplomat to Russia.
How did Cameron build his fortune?
He accumulated wealth through banking, including the founding of the Bank of Middletown, and through ownership stakes in railways and canal construction projects.
