Background
Cameron was born at Falkland, Fife in 1647, or 1648, the son of Allan and Margaret Cameron who farmed the estate of Fordell, near Leuchars.
leader of the militant Presbyterians
Cameron was born at Falkland, Fife in 1647, or 1648, the son of Allan and Margaret Cameron who farmed the estate of Fordell, near Leuchars.
He was educated at the village school, and his success was so great that, while still a youth, he was appointed schoolmaster.
He was founder of a Scottish religious sect of Cameronians, which formed the nucleus of the regiment of this name in the British army, was born at Falkland in the county of Fife.
In this situation he became acquainted with some of the more enthusiastic field-preachers.
Persuaded by them he resigned his post and entered the family of Sir Walter Scott of Harden as chaplain and tutor.
In 1672, under the influence of the open-air preacher John Welch, he became a Covenanter preacher and was known for his eloquence.
Strongly opposing the measures aimed at reestablishing the Episcopal Church in Scotland, and objecting to any state control of the church, he led a small company who, in the Sanquhar Declaration (1680), disowned the royal authority of Charles II.
Cameron took refuge in Holland, where he resided for some time; but in the autumn of 1679 (probably) he returned to Scotland, and once more made himself formidable to the government.
After the accession of William III the survivors were amnestied, and the Cameronian regiment was formed from them.
Later (1743) the Cameronians, growing in numbers, formed a presbytery, taking the name Reformed Presbyterians.
Cameron and many of his group were killed.
