My Genealogy Hound

W. C. Scott, groceryman, of Dresden, Tenn., was born in Liberty, Smith Co., Tenn., in 1830. His parents, William S. and Sarah (Lackey) Scott, were Tennesseans, the former born February 13, 1807. He was a blacksmith by trade, and quite a noted politician, and the latter years of his life were devoted to farming. He located in Dresden in 1832, and four years later was elected sheriff of Weakley County, and served for six years. In 1843 he was elected to the State Legislature, and served one term. He was a very successful farmer, and owned at the time of his death, in 1873, 5,000 acres of land. His wife died in 1832, and he then married Sallie Jones, who was born in Wilson County in 1812, and died in 1884. Our subject was educated in Dresden, and at the age of fifteen hired out as clerk in a dry goods store, which belonged to his father and Mr. Learned, for $50 per year. He continued until 1851, when he was taken into partnership, and the firm was known as W. S. Scott & Son. They suspended business at the breaking out of the war, but resumed work in 1866. At his father’s death our subject was appointed his father’s administrator, and settled up the estate. In 1879 he established a general grocery store, and has carried on the business up to the present time. April 19, 1854, he united his fortune with that of Mary Clement, who was born April 17, 1837, in North Carolina, and their marriage was blessed in the birth of four children: Mollie (Mrs. E. E. Bell), James, Charles and Mattie. Mr. Scott is the oldest merchant in Dresden, and during his long business career has proved to be perfectly honest and trustworthy in all his dealings. He is a Democrat, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of H. and A. O. U. W. His wife belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church.