Paul C. Cameron
Paul C. Cameron | |
|---|---|
Photo of Cameron taken in the late 1800's | |
| Born | September 25, 1808 Durham, North Carolina, United States |
| Died | January 6, 1891 (aged 82) Hillsborough, North Carolina, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, plantation owner |
| Known for | Wealthy slaveholders in North Carolina |
| Spouse |
Anne Ruffin (m. 1832) |
| Children | 7 |
Paul C. Cameron (1808–1891) was an American judge, railroad builder, and a wealthy plantation and slaveholders in North Carolina. When his father left him the business in the late 1800s, Cameron oversaw the work of 470 slaves across 12,475 acres of land mostly in North Carolina. However, as he got older he grew his business, buying plantations in both Alabama and Mississippi. By about 1860, he owned 30,000 acres of land and 1,900 slaves. Not only did he grow his slave business, but he also invested in the construction of the North Carolina Railroad, owned a few textile mils, and put in considerable stocks in two separate banks.
In 1856 and 1857, he served in the North Carolina Supreme Court, the only time he ran for office. In 1832, Cameron married Anne Ruffin, daughter of Thomas Ruffin, the Supreme Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Cameron was born in Orange County, North Carolina, on September 25, 1808, and died on January 6, 1891, in Hillsborough.
When slavery was abolished in 1865 he ended up selling much of his land to the families of the freed slaves.