Captain Cameron Erskine Thom, Camp 2007, received its charter on 15 October 2002. Founding members came from Camp 1742 Inland Empire, Camp 1208 Los Angeles, Camp 584 Headquarters, and members new to SCV.Cameron Erskine Thom was a native of Culpeper Virginia. Along with many others, he came to California as a 49er. His group included 30 other Virginians. After a few years mining, not attaining the sought after fortune, he began to study law. Captain Thom started his law career in land claims.
C. E. Thom moved his practice to Los Angeles; after two years he was elected City and County Attorney. Cameron Thom was an ardent Southron. Upon hearing the call, he returned to his beloved Virginia. He served the Confederacy well participating in 15 battles and being wounded twice.
After the war of Northern Aggression, Thom returned to California. He lost his property, fortune, and his wife. Susan Henrietta Hathwell returned to her family in Marysville where she later became ill and passed on.
An Old Friend loans $300 in Gold
Shortly after arriving in San Pedro he was recognised by an old friend-- J.M. Griffith. Griffith loaned him $300 in gold. Captain Thom began to move forward with his life. He pooled his money with others and became a co-founder of the City of Glendale California. He served the City of Los Angeles as Mayor from 1882-1884. He served again as City Attorney from 1869-1873, and 1877-1879. Captain Thom served before the War in the State Senate, 1859-1860.
Cameron Erskine Thom was a true Southron Patriot. He passed on in 1915 at the age of 90 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in the 3300 block of E. 1st Street Los Angeles, California. A 20-foot obelisk prominently marks his burial site. Upon entering the cemetery, drive 100 yards straight, and you will find him on the left side of the road.
By Paul Williams
For information on meetings and events, see links in the left side panel for Camp 2007.
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