FORMER COUNTY BOY SUICIDES

Inventor of Some Renown Commits Suicide After Destroying Evidence of Nine Years Research on Invention

LEAVES A NOTE TO PUBLIC

Alfred Cameron, a native of this county, aged forty-seven years, who had for the past nine years been working on a superheat and power invention in Omaha, committed suicide last Friday in Omaha.

His backers, who had advanced him financial aid, said the inventor had twice visited and removed papers from a downtown safety deposit vault Thursday. There was evidence in his room they said that he had destroyed all his papers before turning on the gas

. A month ago his backers became dubious and refused further money. Cameron this spring had told them he had talked to officials of a camera company and other firms, and that his patents were about to be issued. Cameron had always been reluctant to explain his work. Secrecy, he said, was needed to avert the possibility of someone stealing his ideas.

He left three notes, one of which was addressed to his backers and “the world in general”. It read: “I am sure I am on the verge of success, could I have a little more time in which to study. I am sure there would be success and reward for everybody. The strain has become intolerable, and this seems to be the only way out. My safe deposit box will give full details. I believe I am doing what is best for everyone concerned.”

Another note indicated that Mrs. E. Z. Russell, Chevy Chase, Md., was his sister; and a third was addressed to R. Russel, Cornhusker hotel, Lincoln, authorizing Russell to open the safe deposit box.

#2 18 July, 1929 - The Pilot-Tribune

Alfred Cameron, nephew of W. C. Cameron, who lived for a number of years west of Herman, died in Omaha Thursday, and was brought to Blair Saturday where he was buried beside his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mac Cameron. Alfred was well known in and near Herman. The relatives have the sympathy of their many friends in their trouble.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. News clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

FindaGrave #113534281