Author: George Cameron
Author: George Cameron (1829–1883)
Biography: One of the few working-class novelists of the Victorian period. George Cameron was born in 1829 in Polkington, the illegitamate son of Ann Cameron. In early life, he applied himself to "hard study, under most discouraging circumstances" and "became a fair scholar." He moved to Appleton Wiske where he worked primarily as a clock and watchmaker. As his death notice notes, he also "drew with taste," carved cork, "understood the wild flowers of his neighbourhood," and corresponded with local newspapers. Later, he acted as the local registrar of births and deaths and as clerk to the town's school board. In the 1870s, he published an autobiographical novel in parts via subscription, Charlie Lufton (1874). The novel ranked some acclaim by being reviewed in London periodicals, mostly for the oddity of its author than its literary quality. Late in life he suffered poor health and by 1878 lived in an infirmary. He died on 24 May 1883 leaving his wife and eight children utterly destitute. An appeal raised money for their support.
References: British Census (1851, 1861, 1871, 1881); Northern Echo (6 July 1883)
Fiction Titles:
- Charlie Lufton: An Autobiographical Novel. 1 vol. Northallerton: J. Vasey, 1874.