Alexander Scott Jr.
Alexander Scott Jr. was the grandfather of Mrs. Hattie
Wilkerson M.D. He was the son of Elder Alexander Scott Sr.,
and was born in Jefferson county, Kentucky April 1, 1792.
His parents were Virginian's, his father was a kinsman of
General Winfield Scott, and he served as a private in the
Revolutionary War under General "Mad Anthony" Wayne.
In 1802 Alexander Scott Jr. moved with his parents to
Montgomery county, Ohio and settled near Dayton which was
then a small village containing but one shingled roof house.
He took an active part in the war of 1812, enlisting three
times, and being drafted once.
July 10, 1817 he married Miss Margaret Magrew, but she died
the following Dec.
Nov. 20, 1820 he married Miss Unity R. Watt of Eaton, Ohio,
with whom he lived for nearly fifty eight years. One year
previous to his second marriage he had moved with his father
to White Water in Wayne county, Indiana. To this place he
brought his young bride, and here they lived until 1827. In
the spring of that year he and his brother, John, came to
Cass county and made a little improvement on some land, and
raised a crop of corn within the present city limits of
Logansport. In the fall they returned to Wayne county for
their families.
In 1833 he settled twelve miles west of Logansport in
Section 19, Jefferson township, and just east of the
present village of Burnettsville. This was his home for
twenty-five years. He removed to the home of his eldest
son, Caleb in 1871. At that time Caleb was living in
Burnettsville. Here he died October 22, 1878 at the age of
87 years. He had retired that evening in his usual health,
but the next morning was found dead in his bed.
Elder William Ireland, Minister of the Christian church in
Burnettsville, and principal of the school, in a long
obituary of Elder Alexander Scott Jr. among other things has
this to say. The bible was his constant companion, and every
religous question was brought to the test of its teachings.
He never claimed to be a teacher, or preacher, and the many
meeting he held in his own home, his church, and other
Churches were given in prayer, conference, and Bible
reading. It is impossibile to estimate the value of his
labors to the churchs that enjoyed them. Great numbers were
induced by him to bear part in these services, and but for
his efforts never would have lifted their voices in the
public assembly. Not a few who are now preaching remember
that Father Scott was the means of putting into their minds
that they ought to enter the ministry. He industriously
circulated tracts, books, papers, and in private talks
preached many a gospel sermon.
As a husband and parent he was tender and affectionate, and
careful to train his children in the was they should go.
They all early became Christians. His five living sons (at
the time of his death, Oct. 23, 1878) Dr. Caleb Scott of
Monticello, Levi of Bryan, Texas, James P. of Chicago,
Rueben A. of 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 minister, and the
other Harvey E., a youth of much promise was preparing for
the ministry.
He grew old gracefully. His spirit was ever 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,
to Bible revisions, Missions, Sunday-school, temperance, and
the cause of education, he gave of his own means largely,
even beyond his ability. For all good causes he labored
long and earnestly.
Hundreds of friends and brethren as they read these lines
will have before them in memory again the venerable form of
this Patriarch. Let us not only remember, but strive to
imitate his life. Such examples are needed now more than
distinguished talent, or the most powerful logic.
(Signed) William Ireland
Footnote from original author:
When I read in the forgoing that he was interested in the
cause of education it brought to mind his proposal to his
young friend, James B. Elliott, that they buy the shares of
the old Acadamy and reopen the school. Two years before
Professor Mahurin had abandoned the project. This they did
and brought in Professor Baldwin, one of the greatest
teachers any school ever had.
From the history of the Scott family
typed by Lyman Morrison
(
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