Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
William G. Scott
When a man passes away we look back over the life ended and note its usefulness-its points worthy of emulation and perpetuation. What William G. Scott did for his fellow men might, in a manner, be told in words, but in its far-reaching influences cannot be measured. Many business concerns and moral enterprises owe their excellence and progress largely to his influence. He was in touch with the people, and from a sincere and deep-felt interest in their welfare labored for all that would prove of public benefit until the busy and useful life was ended.
Mr. Scott was born in Harrisonburg, Rockingham county, Virginia, September 17, 1824, and was a son of John and Sarah (Logan) Scott, who were natives of county Monaghan, Ireland, and, crossing the Atlantic to the New World, located in Virginia, in 1826. There they resided until 1827, when they removed to Richmond, Indiana, where the father died in the year 1833, his wife passing away in 1849. After his father's death William G. Scott made his home with his uncle, Daniel Reid, who resided in Richmond, Indiana, until 1838, when he removed to Fort Wayne, this state. To the public schools of those cities William G. Scott was indebted for the educational privileges which he received, but he put aside his text-books when sixteen years of age in order to assist his uncle in the land office at Fort Wayne, in which Mr. Reid was receiver. In 1844 he returned to Richmond and soon afterward entered the employ of J. M. & J. H. Hutton, foundrymen, under whose direction he learned the moulder's trade.
On the 3d of June, 1847, Mr. Scott married Miss Malinda Gaar, a daughter of Jonas Gaar. She lived only a year after their marriage, and their only child died a few months later. In 1849 he joined his father-in-law, Mr. Gaar, together with the latter's two sons, Abram and John Milton, in the formation of the firm of A. Gaar & Company. They purchased the Hutton foundry and Mr. Scott became the first bookkeeper and one of the original promoters and leading spirits in the mammoth enterprise which is now conducted under the name of Gaar, Scott & Company. In 1870 the business was incorporated under the name now used, the officers being Abram Gaar, president; William G. Scott, secretary; and J. M. Gaar, treasurer. These young men began business with very little capital, but a gradual and substantial growth has transformed the plant from its original proportions to one of the most extensive of the kind in the world. They were all practical mechanics and thus capable of directing the labors of others. Their force of workmen was increased from time to time in order to meet the growing demand of the trade, until at length several hundred names were on their payroll, and the boilers, engines, sawmills and threshing machines which are manufactured are sent into every state in the Union, besides into a number of foreign ports. The phenomenal growth and success of the enterprise was attributable in no small degree to the sagacity, energy and wise business policy of Mr. Scott, whose judgment in all business matters was most reliable. He served as secretary of the company until his death, and took an active part in the management of the extensive foundry business which has proved such an important factor in the upbuilding of Richmond.
His labors, however, were not confined to one line of endeavor, but were an essential element in the prosperity of many other successful business concerns of the city. In 1872, when the Second National Bank of Richmond was organized, he became vice-president, and filled that position until 1895, when he was elected president of the bank, acting in the latter capacity until his death. He was also president of the Wayne Agricultural Works, and whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion. He held a high position in business circles in the community for nearly fifty years, and his activity in that direction justly entitles him to be numbered among the founders of Richmond, for it is those who promote commercial and industrial activity who are the real builders of a place.
Mr. Scott was a second time married about 1850, the lady of his choice being Miss Betsy Rogers, by whom he had three children, viz.: Charles E. and Clara R., who are now deceased, and Helen L., wife of John B. Dougan, vice-president of the Second National Bank of Richmond, and one of the leading business men of Wayne county. The mother died in 1863, and in 1864 Mr. Scott married Clara McCoy, daughter of Colonel W. F. Robie, of Plymouth, New Hampshire. She survives her husband and resides at Richmond. Mr. Scott was reared in the Presbyterian faith, but afterward became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he was connected until about 1862. He then returned to the Presbyterians and it was largely through his liberal donation that the house of worship belonging to the First Presbyterian church was built. He withheld his support from no philanthropic or benevolent movements or enterprises for the public good, aided in building all the churches in Richmond and labored earnestly for the betterment of mankind, realizing most fully that financial success, fame or high position count for naught unless supplemented by an upright, honorable character. He had a mind above all personal considerations, concerned with those large, loving interests belonging to humanity. He passed away November 18, 1897, at the age of seventy-three years, but in the hearts of his friends are enshrined many pleasant memories of him, and his influence for good remains with those who knew him.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899