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Hugh Cameron, Jawhawker Later Known as The Kansas Hermit

Hugh Cameron (1826-1908), was born in New York state. Cameron became a professor of mathematics at the Rittenhouse Academy in Washington, D. C. Hugh was soon fired after being linked with a close friend who was a radical. Later Cameron "canvassed" for Harper's Magazine.

"The Kansas Hermit," walked from Kansas City to Lawrence in 1854, staked out a claim and later named it "Camp Ben Harrison." Hugh was a free-state man, who decided to travel to Kansas where his actions could make a difference.

When the Civil War broke out, Hugh enlisted in the Second Kansas Cavalry and rose to the rank of Captain. Later he transferred to the Second Arkansas Cavalry, were he ended up serving as it's Lt. Colonel.  In later years Cameron was brevetted Brig. General of Volunteers for Meritorious services. "General Cameron" is listed as a farmer in Andreas History of Kansas, 1883.

The Kansas Hermit purportedly once lived in a tree near Lawrence.  His place was three miles north and west of Lawrence, on the south side of the Kansas River, and was designated as "Cameron Bluff."

The" Kansas Hermit" was a walker. All through the years, Hugh walked to Washington to attend every inaugural ceremony. Cameron had important friends in Washington including, Daniel Webster and Henry Clay.

In 1896, he made a pilgrimage to Albuquerque, carrying a message of forgiveness to former U.S. Senator Edmund G. Ross from the people of Kansas.  Many Kansans blamed Ross for saving President Andrew Johnson from impeachment. Hugh printed a journal called "The Useful Worker" which was devoted to sobriety, equality and equity.

In this post war photo "The Hermit General" is displaying his Grand Army of the Republic Veterans pin, on his reunion coat complete with sash.  Notice his Scottish tam which has a Union Officers hat badge on it is side.© Patrick Marquis quantrillsguerrillas.com "Permission should be requested and agreed to before using this copyrighted essay and/or image.                                                                                                                              

 

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