Simon Cameron

Simon Cameron (March 8, 1799 – June 26, 1889) is an American politician who serves as United States Secretary of War for Abraham Lincoln at the start of the American Civil War.

Cameron makes his fortune in railways, canals and banking, founding the Bank of Middletown.He then turns to a life of politics.

He becomes a U.S. senator in 1845 for the state of Pennsylvania, succeeding James Buchanan.

Originally a Democrat, he fails to secure a nomination for senator from the Know-Nothing party, and joins the People's Party, the Pennsylvania branch of what becomes the Republican Party.

He wins the Senate seat in 1857, and becomes one of the candidates for the Republican nomination in the presidential election of 1860.

Cameron gives his support to Abraham Lincoln, and becomes his Secretary of War.

He only serves a year before resigning amid corruption.

Cameron becomes the minister to Russia during the Civil War, but is overseas for less than a year.

He again serves in the Senate, eventually being succeeded by his son, J. Donald Cameron, and only resigns from the Senate upon confirmation that his son will succeed him.

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