Cameron, William John, 1879-1955

William John Cameron was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on December 29, 1878. At the age of nine his family moved to Detroit, Michigan. In 1904 he became a reporter and staff writer for the Detroit News. Cameron left the Detroit News in 1918 and joined the staff of the new Ford-sponsored weekly newspaper, the Dearborn Independent, and in 1920 he became editor. Meanwhile Cameron started assuming public relations tasks for Henry Ford. Cameron never had an official job title at Ford Motor Company. He performed public relations duties, but there was no public relations department. Between 1934 and 1942, Ford Motor Company sponsored the Ford Sunday Evening Hour radio program featuring the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and an intermission commentary by Cameron. After 1942, Cameron continued to be a spokesman for Ford Motor Company. He gave biweekly talks at Greenfield Village Chapel services and was in demand as a public speaker. Cameron retired from Ford Motor Company in 1946, moved to Oakland, California in 1952, and died in 1955.

From the description of William John Cameron papers, 1918-1955 (bulk 1942). (The Henry Ford). WorldCat record id: 52913059

William Cameron was an executive member of the International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers during the Pioneer Strike of 1939-1940.

From the description of William Cameron fonds. 1935-1961. (University of British Columbia Library). WorldCat record id: 606463386