I was revisiting some of the collection of documents that I have on John J.
Cameron to see if anything jumped out at me in regard to dates. I do this
sometimes because data that seemed insignificant at one time can later reveal
clues in light of new information.
I have the Homestead Papers from John and Permelia that were entered for
final approval in December of 1883. In the stack of 20 pages is John's
"Testimony of Claimant"
It asks his current age, and his answer is 39!! That would make his birthday
May 1 of 1844. This is the only document that lists his age whereby he signs
the bottom of the document. I guess that I can safely set aside all of the
census data that claims he was born in 1845. In doing more reading, even his
obituary is vague on his age. He died April 1st 1896. The paper says he was
"about 50" (he was one month away from 52).
It would be real great if there was some history on when the family left
Glengarry and went to NY or ???? I have John's brother Daniel dying from
Typhoid Fever in Mille Lacs, MN. in 1869. The age is right, Daniel is 2
years older.
I do not have any clue as to what may have happened to John J. Cameron's
other siblings. I have found him connecting a couple of times with an "Ida"
or "Ada" Cameron. I cannot find her in any census info though.
I will keep looking and putting pieces of the puzzle together.
Thanks for the help Eileen!
Dean Cameron