William Bleasdell Cameron
William Bleasdell Cameron was a Canadian writer and editor born in 1862 in Trenton, Ontario. Orphaned early in life, he led a nomadic existence, taking on various jobs, including an apprenticeship at a drugstore and a trading position with the Hudson Bay Company. His life took a dramatic turn during the Frog Lake Massacre in 1885 when he was captured by the Plains Cree Indians. During his captivity, Cameron utilized his knowledge of the Cree language to observe significant historical events, including war councils and trials of Cree leaders after their defeat by Canadian forces.
Following his release, Cameron began to write sporadically, focusing on his experiences in the Canadian wilderness. He married Mary Maud Atkins in 1902, and together they had two sons. Cameron gained notable recognition for his 1926 publication, *The War Trail of Big Bear*, which recounts the connection between Big Bear and other Cree leaders with the North-West Rebellion of 1885. His memoir was well received for its engaging subject matter and straightforward narrative style. Cameron continued to contribute to literature and journals until his death in 1951, leaving a legacy of writings that reflect his unique experiences and perspective on Canadian history.
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Subject Terms
William Bleasdell Cameron
Writer
- Born: July 26, 1862
- Birthplace: Trenton, Ontario, Canada
- Died: March 3, 1951
- Place of death: Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Biography
William Bleasdell Cameron was born in 1862 in Trenton, Ontario, Canada. His father, John C. Cameron, worked in the lumber trade and died when Cameron was young. As a teenager, Cameron began a nomadic lifestyle in search of adventure. He worked many different jobs, such as an apprentice at a drugstore and a trader for the Hudson Bay Company.
Cameron never had any intention of becoming a writer until he was captured and held prisoner by the Plains Cree Indians in 1885, during the Frog Lake Massacre. As a captive who had knowledge of Cree language, Cameron became witness to historical events, including war councils and the trial of the Cree leaders after their capture by Canadian troops. After his release, Cameron sporadically worked as an editor and writer of articles and books. He married Mary Maud Atkins in 1902; they had two sons.
Cameron’s earliest articles recount his life in the wilds of Canada. In 1926, the work Cameron is best known for,The War Trail of Big Bear: Being the Story of the Connection of Big Bear and Other Cree Indian Chiefs and Their Followers with the Canadian North-West Rebellion of 1885, the Frog Lake Massacre and Events Leading up to and Following It, and of Two Months Imprisonment in the Camp of the Hostiles,, was published. Critics praised the memoir’s interesting subject matter and Cameron’s straightforward style. Cameron continued writing about his experiences in Canada’s wilderness and editing various journals until he died in 1951.