Cameron, Simon (1799–1889), a United States public official and political boss. He formed a Republican political machine that dominated Pennsylvania from the 1860's to the 1920's.
Cameron was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. After working as a printer, he published the Harrisburg Republican. As a Democrat, he filled out James Buchanan's unexpired term as United States senator, 1845–49. Cameron later changed parties and in 1856 was elected to the Senate as a Republican. He was secretary of war in President Lincoln's cabinet, 1861–62, and minister to Russia, 1862–63. Cameron was again elected to the Senate in 1867 and remained there until retiring in 1877.
