Cameron Erskine Thom

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Cameron Erskine Thom

Birthdate:
Birthplace: Berry Hill, Culpeper County, VA, United States
Death: February 02, 1915 (89)
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Place of Burial: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States
Immediate Family:

Son of Col. John Watson Triplett Thom and Abigail DeHart Thom
Husband of Susan Henrietta Thom and Belle Thom
Father of Erskine Pembroke Thom
Brother of Elizabeth Mayo Ross; Janet Marion Labuzan; Arabella Jane Thom; Dr. Joseph Pembroke Thom, CSA; Dr William Alexander Thom and 2 others
Half brother of John Catesby Thom; Warner Lewis Thom and Lucy Lewis Taylor

Occupation: Mayor of Los Angeles
Managed by: Private User
Last Updated:

About Cameron Erskine Thom

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=thom&GSfn=c&G...

Politician, Civil War Confederate Officer. In 1849, following the discovery of gold in California, Cameron E. Thom left his native Virginia in a caravan of oxen-powered wagons to seek his fortune. While his mining ventures offered only limited success, his evening hours spent studying the law, would lead to a lifetime of civic service and contributions.

His law career, started in land claims in Sacramento, soon led him to Los Angeles. After but two years, he was elected City Attorney and County Attorney. His thriving career in law and public service was interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil War. An ardent supporter of the Confederacy, he returned to Virginia as Captain, served in 15 battles, and was wounded twice. After the close of the war, he returned to California to learn that he had lost his property, his fortune, his career, and even his wife, who had returned to her family, taken ill, and died.

A pardon by President Johnson, and a loan of $300 in gold from J. M. Griffith (of Griffith Park fame), allowed Thom to move forward with his life. He returned to public service, became a co-founder of the city of Glendale, served as Los Angeles City Mayor from 1882-1884, and served later terms of office as City Attorney.



Maintained by: Find A Grave Record added: Oct 18, 2000

Find A Grave Memorial# 13083

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Cameron Erskine Thom's Timeline

1825
June 20, 1825
Berry Hill, Culpeper County, VA, United States
1915
February 2, 1915
Age 89
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States
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Evergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States