Cameronj  
 

Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",  published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.


     HON.  JASPER J. CAMERON has, without doubt, become one of the leading and influential men of the Big Bend country.  Arriving here in 1889 without means, he cast his first vote for the state constitution and since that time has been closely identified with the progress and development of the great state of Washington.  In his personal business affairs, he has made a brilliant success, while in the political world, he has won the encomiums and plaudits to be envied even by one who has spent a much longer service in the political field.
     J. J. Cameron was born in Peoria, Illinois, on November 29, 1867, the son of George W. and Lucinda Cameron.  When a child he went with his parents to Jones county, Iowa, and then the family moved to Tehama county, California.  After gaining his primary instruction in the common schools, Mr. Cameron matriculated in the Hesperian college at Woodland, California and in due time received his diploma from that institution.  Then he turned his attention to the study of law but as his parents were desirous of coming to the north, he dropped that and joined them in an overland trip from California to Washington.  The journey was fraught with many incidents, both of hardship and pleasure and was completed without especial accident.  Upon arriving here, Mr. Cameron selected a homestead about six miles west from where Harrington is now located.  He soon added a timber culture and gave his attention to farming.  Having been thoroughly depleted in financial matters, he was obliged to borrow money to file on his claim, then went to work by the month.  Not to be deterred, however, he followed that rigorous life until he had sufficient means to improve his place in good shape, then his time was given to that entirely.  As the years went by, prosperity could but attend the wise and faithful labors of our subject and from time to time he added to his estate until now it has reached the magnificent proportions of eight hundred acres.  The entire place is under cultivation and cropped to wheat annually, thus insuring to him, a very gratifying income.  Plenty of buildings, a good residence and all other improvements that can be used on a first class Washington wheat farm are in evidence.  An air of thrift and good taste pervades the entire premises and Mr. Cameron is to be commended upon his success in farming and raising stock.  He has a band of cattle and horses.
     In the fall of 1900, Mr. Cameron allowed his name to appear on the Democratic ticket for representative to the state legislature and although the county is Republican, he was promptly elected.  In the halls of legislature, he was no less a marked figure than he had been in the excellent work on the farm. He soon took a place with the leaders and at his second term which he is now serving, his party brought him forward as speaker of the house.  Owing to the fact that the Democrats were largely outnumbered by the Republicans, he did not secure the position.  Still so forcible and telling has been the work of Mr. Cameron, that his enemies have learned to fear his blows and his friends have no hesitancy in placing him to champion their cause in a hotly contested battle.  The second election of Mr. Cameron speaks very favorably for his ability and integrity since twice a Democratic candidate has carried a Republican field.
     On June 26, 1895, Mr. Cameron married Miss Lilly F. Lee, who was born and reared in California.  Her father, Munson Lee, was a native of Missouri and crossed the plains to California in 1869.  He married Miss Ware and they are now living in Willows, California.  To Mr. and Mrs. Cameron three children have been born, Nathaniel A., Gladys I. and Nevada.
     Fraternally, Mr. Cameron is affiliated with the K. P., the I. O. O. F. and the Foresters.  He has always been very active in educational labors and is also a member of the pioneer association.
 
 

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