James Camerson Sr.

James Cameron Sr.: Building a Legacy in Keokuk

Written by Erika Berrett

Early Life and Hardship

James Cameron Sr., born on May 10, 1840, in Canada, came from a lineage of resilience. His father, Duncan Cameron, a Scotsman, and his mother, Bridget Phillips, originally from Ireland, had emigrated to Canada with dreams of a better life. However, tragedy struck early in James’s life when his father passed away just two years after his birth. This loss shaped the character of a young James, who would later become a significant figure in Keokuk, Iowa. His mother remarried and, by 1848, the family moved to Keokuk, marking the beginning of his ties with the town he would deeply impact.

Adventurer and Gold Miner

James’s adventurous spirit shone through at the age of 19, when he set out for California during the Gold Rush. The journey was arduous, covering six months by ox-team, and was filled with both hardship and opportunity. For five years, James mined the hills of California, employing several workers and eventually accumulating a valuable sack of gold. This experience instilled in him a rugged determination and work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life. Returning home in 1864, he traveled on horseback for three months, a testament to his resilience and self-reliance.

Building a Community

After his return, Cameron initially ventured into farming and stock-raising in Missouri but soon returned to Keokuk, where he would leave a lasting mark on the city’s development. In 1880, he established a thriving business dealing in coal, wood, stone, and tile. His entrepreneurial ventures extended across Keokuk, where he operated a coal yard and employed a considerable workforce to meet the city’s growing needs. “Mr. Cameron occupies a prominent position among the business men of his community and enjoys the confidence of his fellow-citizens,” noted The Lee County Portrait and Biographical Album, highlighting the respect he garnered in his industry.

One of his most unique contributions was his company’s service of oiling the streets of Keokuk to keep dust at bay, an innovative solution for the time that added to the quality of life for residents. The Daily Gate City noted in a 1915 advertisement, “You can get rid of the disagreeable dust if you live on an oiled street.” Through this service, Cameron became a household name in Keokuk, as people relied on his business to keep their homes dust-free during warmer months.

Community Leader and Family Man

James’s impact on Keokuk extended beyond business. He married Mary Feeney in 1872, and together they raised four sons—William, George, James, and John—instilling in them the values of hard work and community service. The Cameron family home became a center of warmth and hospitality, surrounded by friends and neighbors who shared in their joys and challenges.

Cameron’s civic contributions included his role as Street Supervisor in 1883, where he improved Keokuk’s infrastructure. He also served as a stockholder in the town’s cutlery works and the Loan and Building Association, demonstrating his commitment to fostering local enterprise and economic growth. His work in public service was recognized by his fellow townspeople, who entrusted him with various city responsibilities.

Legacy in Keokuk

James Cameron’s legacy lies in the stone and tile of the buildings he helped construct, the streets he maintained, and the warmth of the coal he delivered to countless households. His commitment to Keokuk’s development helped shape the town into a vibrant and enduring community. A member of the I.O.O.F. and a steadfast Democrat, Cameron embodied the values of his era—self-reliance, community service, and integrity.

Upon his death on September 29, 1912, Keokuk lost one of its most influential figures, a man whose life spanned remarkable change and who left an indelible mark on his community. Buried in Oakland Cemetery’s Block C Lot 21, his memory lives on as a testament to hard work, ingenuity, and dedication to community. James Cameron Sr.’s life story remains a source of inspiration, not only for his descendants but for anyone who walks the streets of Keokuk, streets that he helped build and maintain.

Sources:

1. The Lee County Portrait and Biographical Album

2. The Daily Gate City, May 16, 1915, Page 10

3. Oakland Cemetery Records, Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa