The only known survivor of the horrible lynching period in American history died earlier this week. James Cameron of Milwaukee died of heart failure June 11 at a hospital in the city. He was 92.
Cameron, who at 16 survived being lynched from a maple tree in Marion, Ind., was present last June when the U.S. Senate apologized for its failure to enact federal anti-lynching laws. It was the first time the body had apologized for the nation’s treatment of African Americans.
“It’s 100-something years late,” he said later. “But I’m glad they are doing it.”
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Chairman Julian Bond saluted Cameron during the Association’s 2005 annual convention that was held in Milwaukee.
“At a time when most would have dwelled on the bitterness, hurt and revenge, James chose a continuing life of dignity, courage and service,” said NAACP President and CEO Bruce S. Gordon.
In 1930 Cameron was beaten by a mob, dragged to a tree outside a Marion jail and a noose was tightened around his neck for his alleged participation in the robbery, rape and assault of a white couple. Moments before he was to die, the rope was removed and he was led back into the jail.
Cameron said he ran away from the scene and did not participate in the crimes. The female accuser eventually denied the rape and confirmed his innocence. Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh pardoned Cameron’s conviction in 1993, 63 years after the near death experience.