John [Edward]. SCOTT, mayor of the city of Mt. Ayr, is a native of Noble County, Ohio, a son of Matthew and Susannah (ARCHIBALD) SCOTT. In 1866 his parents noved to Guthrie County, Iowa, and subsequently to Phillips County, Kansas, where the mother died, in 1883, and the father still lives. John E. SCOTT was reared on a farm, attending in his youth the district school. When nineteen years old he began teaching, which he continued several years, and then entered the State University at Iowa City.

In 1870 he went to Riley County, Kansas, and taught there until 1873. Then went to Macon County, Missouri, and in the fall of 1875 returned to Iowa city, and entered law school, from which he graduated in 1876.

Immediately after graducation he located in Mt. Ayr, and formed a partnership with A. M. COLE, which was of short duration. He subequently was connected with MORRIS & ALLEN, until 1878, when he bought the abstract books and business of EVERETT, and has since given his attention to real estate, abstracts and loans in connection with law practice.

In the spring of 1883 he was elected mayor of Mt. Ayr, and served a year, and in 1885 was again elected, and re-elected in 1886.

He was married in June, 1879, to Miss Clementine PIERSON, daughter of C[hambers]. K[arr]. [and Martha (CHRISTY)] PIERSON, of Ringgold County. They have had three children, two sons and one daughter.

Twice-A-Week News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
June 12, 1896

J. E. Scott was born in Noble county, Ohio. After graduation from the law department of the state university of Iowa, he located in Ringgold county July 14, 1876. For two years he was employed in the real estate office of MORRIS & ALLYN, and then purchasing the abstract books of J. S. EVERETT, he began the real estate, abstract and loan business. He sold his business in 1895 to B. F. TALLEY & Sons, and now devotes his time to looking after his extensive private interests.

Mr. SCOTT is a present serving his second term as school director, and was elected last spring [as a] member of the city council. He also served from 1883 to 1891 inclusive, with the exception of 1884, as mayor of Mt. Ayr.

Mr. SCOTT is a careful, conservative business man, and gives conscientious effort to the performance of his public duties. He was married in 1879 to Miss Clemma PIERSON, daughter of C. K. PIERSON of Monroe township.

Submitted by Mike Avitt; Courtesy of Mount Ayr Depot Museum

NOTE: John Edward SCOTT died at his home near Mount Ayr, Iowa, on May 3, 1933. Clementina Rachel (PIERSON) SCOTT was born in Marrietta, Ohio, and died September 12, 1932. John and Clementina were interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

John and Clementina's children were Walter K. SCOTT, Sue M. (SCOTT) CLARK, and Wilber H. SCOTT.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 351, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009; updated August of 2010

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z