Description
Simon Cameron started life as a printer and editor. He then started several rail lines, canals and founded the Bank of Middletown. He made a fortune from these enterprises before winning a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1845. He became secretary of war under Abraham Lincoln but served just one year before resigning amid corruption. Simon Cameron was succeeded by Edwin M. Stanton, who had been a legal adviser to the war secretary. Cameron then became minister to Russia before returning to the U.S. Senate, a seat he held until his son, James Donald Cameron, succeed him. James had been serving as secretary of war, starting in 1876. One of Simon’s most famous quotes is: “An honest politician is one who, when he is bought, will stay bought.”
The first two Secretaries of War were appointed between 1781 and 1789 to serve the Congress of the Confederation. The position became part of the President’s Cabinet starting with the administration of George Washington. Washington created four cabinet positions to provide him with a source of key advisors, in the form of Attorney General, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of State, and Secretary of War. Current presidential cabinets are made up of sixteen officers. Cabinet members are chosen by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
This Simon Cameron History Mug is part of our Secretary of War series which includes the many unique individuals who served as U.S. Secretary of War.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia-tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
