THE CAMERON FAMILY are among the oldest and most prominent residents of South Strabane township. John Cameron was born in Scotland, and in early youth removed to County Armagh, Ireland, where he was united in marriage with Esther Twinem, a native of Ireland, and soon after his marriage emigrated to America, making his home in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron were born the following children: John, James C., Esther, Margaret and William. Mr. Cameron was a prominent citizen, and in politics voted with the Democratic party. In religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. William, son of John and Esther Cameron, was born in the year 1808, on the home farm in Somerset township, this county, and there received his early education. On September 28, 1837, he was married to Martha, daughter of George Mitchell, residing in South Strabane township, Washington county. Mr. Mitchell was a native of Ireland, and in early manhood came to America, settling in Washington county, Penn., where he was married to a Miss Alexander. They reared the following children: Martha (Mrs. William Cameron), born August 9, 1804; Mary (Mrs. John McMillan),born November 10, 1810; Eleanor, born in the year 1812, died February 29, 1832; Thomas, born August 13, 1815, and Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Horner), born August 20, 1817. Mr. Mitchell was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Washington. He died at the residence of Mr. William Cameron, May 8, 1817. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cameron settled on the place which is now occupied by their sons, and to the original tract of twenty-one acres they added over 200 acres, formerly owned by George Mitchell. This farm was uncultivated, and he made his own improvements upon it. The children of this couple were as follows: John, Ellen (Mrs. John G. Paxton), Margaret, Mary J., George M. and Martha A. (Mrs. J. C. Pease). Mr. Cameron was an enterprising man and took an active interest in the progress of the Democratic party; he was also interested in educational matters, having frequently served as a school director in the township. In religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Washington. He passed away October 15, 1873, having been preceded by his wife August 16, 1860. JOHN CAMERON, son of William and Martha (Mitchell) Cameron, was born August 12, 1838, on the home farm in South Strabane township, Washington county, and received a common school education. In early life he commenced farming, and has since followed that vocation. He is actively interested in all questions pertaining to the welfare of the community, and is a firm supporter of the Democratic party. GEORGE M. CAMERON, second son of William and Martha (Mitchell) Cameron, was born April 22, 1849, and passed his early youth on the home farm, receiving his education in the schools of South Strabane township. On May 23, 1872, he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Col. James M. and Maria Potter Byers, residents of Washington, Washington county, and the following children were born to their union: William B., Ada E., Mary E., James M., George and John A. Mr. and Mrs. George M. Cameron have always lived on the home place, and are adherents of the Presbyterian Church. In 1886 Mr. Cameron and his brother built the handsome residence now occupied by them, which is furnished with all modern conveniences. He is a Democrat, and a valued member of that party. He has always been especially interested in the schools of the township, having been a school director several years.

Text taken from page 1251 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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