ELDER ALEX. SCOTT
Died, at his home near Monticello, Ind., Oct. 23, 1878,
Eld. Alex. Scott, in the 87th year of his age. For nearly seventy
years he served the Master with a zeal and constancy seldom
equalled. He was identified with the "Current Reformation" almost from
its beginning. Eternity alone can reveal the fruitage of his pure
life. A more extended sketch will be given soon of his life and
labors.
W. Irelan
The Christian Standard, Nov. 16, 1878, p. 371
Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Nashville, TN
retyped 1999 by Dennis Nicklaus.
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ELD. ALEXANDER SCOTT
A PIONEER'S RECORD
Eld. Alexander Scott was born in Jefferson county, Ky.in 1792. His
parents were Virginian. His father was a kinsman of General Winfield
Scott, and served as a private soldier in the Revolutionary War, under
General Wayne. In 1802 Eld. Scott removed with his parents to
Montgomery county, Ohio, and settled near Dayton, which was then a
small village containing but one shingle-roofed house. He took an
active part in the war of 1812, volunteering three times, and being
once drafted. During his last term of service he held the position of
first sergeant.
Soon after the war he became concerned about his spiritual prospects,
and in accordance with the prevalent teachings of the times he sought
religion at the mourner's bench. After struggling long for the
mysterious change, he despaired of obtaining the coveted experience,
and resolved to give himself to the Saviour in obedience; to read the
Bible diligently, and do as near right as he could, and leave results
with God. He was baptized by Elder Nathan Worley, of the Christian
Connection, and became at once an active worker in the church. He had
been a leader among his gay young companions, who were loth to give
him up, and worked hard to get him back; but he stood firm, meeting
his tempters with earnest exhortations to seek salvation. He had the
satisfaction of seeing many of them become religious.
July 10, 1817 he was married to Miss Margaret Magrew, who died in the
following December.
Nov. 20, 1820 he married Miss Unity R. Watt of Eaton, O., with whom he
lived in happy wedlock nearly fifty eight years. One year previous to
his second marriage he had removed with his father to Whitewater in
Wayne county, Ind. To this place he removed his young wife, and here
they lived till 1827. In the spring of that year he and his brother
John came to Cass Co., and made an improvement and raised a crop of
corn within the present limits of Logansport. In the fall they
returned to Wayne county for their families.
In 1833 he settled twelve miles west of Logansport near what is now
the village of Burnettsville. This was his home for twenty-five
years. Subsequently he removed to the home of his oldest son, where he
died Oct. 23, in his 87th year. He had retired in nearly his usual
health, and in the morning was found dead in his bed. The writer had
visited him only a few days before his death, and at the parting he
had remarked, ``I may fly away before we meet again'': and with
glowing countenance expressed his joyful hope of soon entering the
promised rest.
Father Scott, as he was familiarly called, was universally respected
and loved. He was widely known, and in this and neighboring counties
many a heart was thrilled with sorrow by the announcement in the
papers that Father Scott was dead.
No man in these counties has done more for the cause we plead than he
--- not so much in his teaching as in his life. His life has been
truly a living epistle. It reminded one of the faith of Abraham, the
meekness of Moses, the devotion of Daniel, the zeal of Paul and the
love of John.
Father Scott first saw the Millennial Harbinger in 1832. Soon after
this he heard a Bro. Harris preach, who introduced his sermon by
saying that he intended to preach the old gospel as is was preached by
the apostles; but before doing so, he wished to clear away the rubbish
that was obstructing the old way. Among the things removed was the
mourner's bench. Father Scott was greatly incensed against the
preacher, regarding his teaching as dangerous heresy. He resented
especially his statements concerning the mourner's bench as a ruthless
attack upon one of the sacred and indispensable institutions of the
church. Subsequent reflection and investigation, however, greatly
modified his views, and prepared him to hear again.
About this time he heard the Combses preach, of whom report said that
they were riding up and down the Wabash baptizing mourners. Soon after
that he heard Elder Elijah Martindale, who, though still identified
with the Christian Connection, was fully in sympathy with the
Campbells.
Brother Scott was not long in making up his mind as to the line of
duty, and soon entered into hearty cooperation with those who were
pleading for a return to primitive Christianity. Inspired with new
zeal, he appointed meetings at his own house, and talked to such of
his neighbors as assembled, of "the grace of God that hat appeared
toward all men." Occasionally some preaching brother would visit him
and water the seed he was sowing. Some of his neighbors were induced
to obey the gospel. On the 26th of Oct. 1874, these, with a few
brethren from the Christian Connection, were organized into a Church
of Christ. This was the beginning of the present Burnettsville
congregation, of which he was an elder nearly forty years.
The Bible was his constant companion, and every religious question was
brought to the test of its teachings. He never claimed to be a
preacher, and the many meetings which he held in his own and other
communities were given to prayer, conference, and Bible reading. It is
impossible to estimate the value of his labors to the churches which
enjoyed them. Great numbers were induced by him to bear a part in
these services, who but for his efforts would perhaps never have
lifted their voices in the public assembly. Not a few who are now
preaching remember that Father Scott was the means of putting it into
their minds that they ought to give themselves to the ministry. He
industriously circulated tracts, books, and papers, and in private
talks preached many a gospel sermon. He was not accustomed to
converse long with any one without introducing the great theme which
was uppermost in his own mind.
In all the walks of life he has left a worthy example. As a citizen
he was law-abiding and patriotic. His business motto was, "Owe no man
anything." As a neighbor he was kind and generous almost to a fault.
As a husband and a parent he was tender and affectionate, and careful
to train his children in the way they should go. They all early
became Christians. His five living sons --- Dr. C. Scott of
Monticello; Samuel, Logansport; Levi, Bryan, Texas; James P., Chicago,
Rueben A., Abilene, Kansas, are all strong men and pillars in the
church. Of the two sons who preceded him to the other shore, one,
Elisha, was a successful preacher. The other, Harvey, a youth of much
promise, was preparing for the ministry.
He grew old gracefully. His spirit was always young and sweet. His
great heart was always in sympathy with the young. No one ever heard
a wail from his lips about the degeneracy of the times. Every good
work found in him an advocate and helper: Bible revision, missions,
the Sunday school, Temperance, and the cause of education. For all
these he labored and gave of his means largely --- even beyond his
ability. Hundreds of brethren as they read these lines, will have
before them again in memory, the venerable form of the dear old
father. Let us not only remember, but strive to imitate his life. Such
examples are needed just now more than distinguished talent or
powerful logic.
W. Irelan
The Christian Standard, Feb. 1, 1879, page 39
Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Nashville, TN
retyped 1999 by Dennis Nicklaus.
Note by D. Nicklaus -- The published obit does give Oct. 1874 as the
date when the Burnettsville Christian Church was organized. I'm
pretty sure that year is a mistake.
(
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