Edwin Scott is a representative and prosperous farmer on section 18, Montmorency Township. He was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, Jan. 7, 1828, and brought up a farmer by his parents, Barney and Clarissa (Davis) Scolt. His father also was a native of Ohio, and his mother of the State of Maine; and they had nine children, - Alvin F., Hannah, Edwin (the subject of this sketch), Freeman, Merrill, Alfred, Jesse, Bernard and Addison. Their parents died in Ohio,

Mr. Scott remained at the parental home until 23 years of age, attending school and following agricultural pursuits. In 1850 he struck out into the clashing world for himself, going first to New Orleans, where, however, he remained but a short time. While there, on the eighth day of January, he saw ice, which was frozen there by the low temperature of the atmosphere, a rare occurrence in that latitude. He came to this county in 1851, first settling in Hopkins Township, at Como, where he was a resident two years. He then removed to Montmorency Township, where he purchased 40 acres on section 18, his present residence. This place has been his home ever since he first located upon it, with the exception of three years, which he spent in Rock Falls. He built a hewed-log house on his 40 acres in 1854, and moved into it, it being the first house south of the old Dixon road, or the "Lone Tree." Looking from his door south, east, or west, as far as the eye could see, there was nothing in sight but the vast prairie or the tops of the trees of the Green River timber. He dug a well, which was the crystal fountain for many, since the travel from New Bedford and vicinity passed his door. In 1858, seven families took all the water they used from this well. The settlers as they came found board and lodging with him while they built houses for themselves. Many a weary traveler has rejoiced to find this cabin, sometimes nearly frozen, sometimes lost in the darkness, and was made welcome to the comforts of the little home. Mr. Scott now owns 200 acres, all sub­dued to cultivation and in good agricultural condi­tion. Mr. Scott has exhibited a high degree of industry and good judgment, and by honorable deal­ing and economy he has. succeeded in establishing a comfortable home. Officially, he has been honored by his fellow citizens with the public positions of School Director, Overseer of Highways, etc. In respect to national issues he endorses the principles of the Republican party.

March 4, 1851, is the date of Mr. Scott's marriage, in Como, Hopkins Township, to Miss E. Mary, daughter of Jesse and Anna (Sherman) Scott. Her parents, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio, came from the latter named State to this county in 1839, settling in Como, where they passed the re­mainder of their days. They had 13 children, namely: Asa, Jane, Josiah, David, Hiram, Adrial, Joel, John, E. Mary (Mrs. Scott), Maria E., Ca.roline A., Annis and Emeline. Mrs. Scott was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, June 4, 1829, and has seven children, namely: Clifton, Charles Ennis, Herschel, Fred L., Eva, Albert E. and Jessie. Mr. Scott's second son, Charles Ennis, married Miss Chattie White, of Morgan Co., Ohio, in 1876, he having formed her acquaintance while coming home from the Centennial. In 1881, his eldest son, Clifton, married Miss Elizabeth Albertson, of Orange Co. Ind., he being at that time Principal of the Orleans High School. In 1885, his third son, Herschel, who had just returned from two years of travel, married Miss Annie May, of this county, and is residing with his parents at the present time.

1885 Portrait and Biographical of Whiteside Co Pg 517