David Hamilton Scott

David Hamilton Scott, a prominent and influential citizen of Monroe county, now following farming in Troy township, is recognized as a leader in political and church circles, and is also an honored veteran of the late war. He was born on a farm in Fleming county, Kentucky, June 27, 1825, and is a son of Alexander and Martha (Wills) Scott, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather, John Scott, was born in Scotland, and in his early manhood crossed the Atlantic to the New World, taking up his residence in the Keystone State, where also lived his brother, who served as State Senator of Pennsylvania.

Alexander Scott lost his father when he was a child, and shortly after removed to Kentucky, where he was reared to manhood and learned the trade of a wheelwright, which he followed in connection with farming. In 1821 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Wills, and several years later they removed to Putnam county, Indiana, locating in the midst of the forest. They lived in a camp until a log cabin could be erected and there the family experienced the usual hardships and trails of pioneer life. After some years the father sold his first farm, but purchased another in the same county and continued its cultivation until his retirement from active business life at an advanced age. He died February 7, 1881. He and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and he was serving as one of its Elders when called to his final rest.

In the family of this worthy couple were eleven children: David H., Samuel, deceased; John M., a carpenter of Indianapolis, Indiana; Alexander, James T. and Margaret J., triplets, the last named now the wife of John Evans, of Putnam county, Indiana, while James is living in Montgomery county, Indiana, and Alexander died in youth; Thomas N., an agriculturist of Franklin county, Kansas; Alexander M., a banker of Ladoga, Indiana; Martha A., deceased; William H., deceased; and Mildred E., wife of Wallace Hamilton, a resident farmer of Franklin county, Kansas.

Mr. Scott of this sketch was educated in Putnam county, Indiana, and taught school there for a number of terms. He also carried on agricultural pursuits and learned the trade of a wheelwright, which he followed for a time. On the 16th of October, 1845, Mr. Scott was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wills, a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, and a daughter of David and Sarah (Ramsey) Wills, who were born in the same locality, their marriage having been celebrated in Fleming county, Kentucky, and their union having been blessed with ten children, namely: Emily; Mary (Mrs. Scott); Margaret, deceased; Martha; Evaline; Samuel A., deceased; William W.; Robert H.; James H., who died in the war; and Daniel H. Four of the sons were soldiers during the late Rebellion.

For five years Mr. and Mrs. Scott continued their residence in Indiana, and then came to Monroe county, Iowa, in 1850. The former entered land in Bluff Creek township, and there carried on agricultural pursuits for four years, when he sold out and purchased a farm in Troy township, continuing the cultivation of his land in connection with school-teaching. He also followed the trade of a wheelwright for a time, and in 1861 he came to the farm upon which he is now living. He labors, however, were interrupted the following year, when in August, 1862, in Albia, Iowa he offered his services to the Government as a defender of the Union, and was assigned to Company A, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry. He was elected Orderly sergeant under Captain M. J. Varner, and with his command went to Keokuk, thence to St. Louis and down the river to Memphis, Tennessee. The troops made their way to Helena, Arkansas, and joined the Yazoo Pass expedition, being constantly engaged in skirmishing along the march. They participated in the battle of Helena, and subsequently went to Little Rock, Arkansas, where our subject met with a serious accident in the breaking of his leg. He then returned home, but as soon as he had recovered the use of his injured member he rejoined his regiment and continued at the front until honorably discharged, in 1864. He was always faithful to his duty, and was a valiant soldier, bravely following the old flag on many a weary march. Since his return he has successfully carried on agricultural pursuits and now has a beautiful home and good farm, pleasantly situated three miles southeast of Albia.

To Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born nine children: Clara E., wife of Noah Clodfelter, a retired farmer living in Independence, Oregon; Sarah M. and Margaret A., both deceased; Mary E., wife of S. A. Smith, an agriculturist of Monroe county, Iowa; Melissa J., wife of Samuel B. Cooper, a farmer of Monroe county, Iowa; Laura B., wife of O. G. Campbell, a carpenter of Independence, Oregon; Charles S., deceased; Amy M., wife of Thomas Dixon, a glass-blower residing in Muncie, Indiana; and Emma, deceased.

The parents are charter members and faithful workers of the Presbyterian Church of Albia, and for thirty-eight years Mr. Scott has served as one of its Elders. The children are also church members and the family is an honored and respected one. In politics he is a stanch Republican, prominent in the affairs and councils of his party, and for twenty years has been Township Assessor. He was nominated on the Republican ticket for the office of Representative from Monroe county and was elected by a plurality of 533 votes. Mr. Scott is highly esteemed, and his public and private life are alike above reproach.