ELDER ALEX. SCOTT Died, at his home near Monticello, Ind., Oct. 23, 1878, Eld. Alex. Scott, in the 87th year of his age. For nearly seventy years he served the Master with a zeal and constancy seldom equalled. He was identified with the "Current Reformation" almost from its beginning. Eternity alone can reveal the fruitage of his pure life. A more extended sketch will be given soon of his life and labors. W. Irelan The Christian Standard, Nov. 16, 1878, p. 371 Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Nashville, TN retyped 1999 by Dennis Nicklaus. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ELD. ALEXANDER SCOTT A PIONEER'S RECORD Eld. Alexander Scott was born in Jefferson county, Ky.in 1792. His parents were Virginian. His father was a kinsman of General Winfield Scott, and served as a private soldier in the Revolutionary War, under General Wayne. In 1802 Eld. Scott removed with his parents to Montgomery county, Ohio, and settled near Dayton, which was then a small village containing but one shingle-roofed house. He took an active part in the war of 1812, volunteering three times, and being once drafted. During his last term of service he held the position of first sergeant. Soon after the war he became concerned about his spiritual prospects, and in accordance with the prevalent teachings of the times he sought religion at the mourner's bench. After struggling long for the mysterious change, he despaired of obtaining the coveted experience, and resolved to give himself to the Saviour in obedience; to read the Bible diligently, and do as near right as he could, and leave results with God. He was baptized by Elder Nathan Worley, of the Christian Connection, and became at once an active worker in the church. He had been a leader among his gay young companions, who were loth to give him up, and worked hard to get him back; but he stood firm, meeting his tempters with earnest exhortations to seek salvation. He had the satisfaction of seeing many of them become religious. July 10, 1817 he was married to Miss Margaret Magrew, who died in the following December. Nov. 20, 1820 he married Miss Unity R. Watt of Eaton, O., with whom he lived in happy wedlock nearly fifty eight years. One year previous to his second marriage he had removed with his father to Whitewater in Wayne county, Ind. To this place he removed his young wife, and here they lived till 1827. In the spring of that year he and his brother John came to Cass Co., and made an improvement and raised a crop of corn within the present limits of Logansport. In the fall they returned to Wayne county for their families. In 1833 he settled twelve miles west of Logansport near what is now the village of Burnettsville. This was his home for twenty-five years. Subsequently he removed to the home of his oldest son, where he died Oct. 23, in his 87th year. He had retired in nearly his usual health, and in the morning was found dead in his bed. The writer had visited him only a few days before his death, and at the parting he had remarked, ``I may fly away before we meet again'': and with glowing countenance expressed his joyful hope of soon entering the promised rest. Father Scott, as he was familiarly called, was universally respected and loved. He was widely known, and in this and neighboring counties many a heart was thrilled with sorrow by the announcement in the papers that Father Scott was dead. No man in these counties has done more for the cause we plead than he --- not so much in his teaching as in his life. His life has been truly a living epistle. It reminded one of the faith of Abraham, the meekness of Moses, the devotion of Daniel, the zeal of Paul and the love of John. Father Scott first saw the Millennial Harbinger in 1832. Soon after this he heard a Bro. Harris preach, who introduced his sermon by saying that he intended to preach the old gospel as is was preached by the apostles; but before doing so, he wished to clear away the rubbish that was obstructing the old way. Among the things removed was the mourner's bench. Father Scott was greatly incensed against the preacher, regarding his teaching as dangerous heresy. He resented especially his statements concerning the mourner's bench as a ruthless attack upon one of the sacred and indispensable institutions of the church. Subsequent reflection and investigation, however, greatly modified his views, and prepared him to hear again. About this time he heard the Combses preach, of whom report said that they were riding up and down the Wabash baptizing mourners. Soon after that he heard Elder Elijah Martindale, who, though still identified with the Christian Connection, was fully in sympathy with the Campbells. Brother Scott was not long in making up his mind as to the line of duty, and soon entered into hearty cooperation with those who were pleading for a return to primitive Christianity. Inspired with new zeal, he appointed meetings at his own house, and talked to such of his neighbors as assembled, of "the grace of God that hat appeared toward all men." Occasionally some preaching brother would visit him and water the seed he was sowing. Some of his neighbors were induced to obey the gospel. On the 26th of Oct. 1874, these, with a few brethren from the Christian Connection, were organized into a Church of Christ. This was the beginning of the present Burnettsville congregation, of which he was an elder nearly forty years. The Bible was his constant companion, and every religious question was brought to the test of its teachings. He never claimed to be a preacher, and the many meetings which he held in his own and other communities were given to prayer, conference, and Bible reading. It is impossible to estimate the value of his labors to the churches which enjoyed them. Great numbers were induced by him to bear a part in these services, who but for his efforts would perhaps never have lifted their voices in the public assembly. Not a few who are now preaching remember that Father Scott was the means of putting it into their minds that they ought to give themselves to the ministry. He industriously circulated tracts, books, and papers, and in private talks preached many a gospel sermon. He was not accustomed to converse long with any one without introducing the great theme which was uppermost in his own mind. In all the walks of life he has left a worthy example. As a citizen he was law-abiding and patriotic. His business motto was, "Owe no man anything." As a neighbor he was kind and generous almost to a fault. As a husband and a parent he was tender and affectionate, and careful to train his children in the way they should go. They all early became Christians. His five living sons --- Dr. C. Scott of Monticello; Samuel, Logansport; Levi, Bryan, Texas; James P., Chicago, Rueben A., Abilene, Kansas, are all strong men and pillars in the church. Of the two sons who preceded him to the other shore, one, Elisha, was a successful preacher. The other, Harvey, a youth of much promise, was preparing for the ministry. He grew old gracefully. His spirit was always young and sweet. His great heart was always in sympathy with the young. No one ever heard a wail from his lips about the degeneracy of the times. Every good work found in him an advocate and helper: Bible revision, missions, the Sunday school, Temperance, and the cause of education. For all these he labored and gave of his means largely --- even beyond his ability. Hundreds of brethren as they read these lines, will have before them again in memory, the venerable form of the dear old father. Let us not only remember, but strive to imitate his life. Such examples are needed just now more than distinguished talent or powerful logic. W. Irelan The Christian Standard, Feb. 1, 1879, page 39 Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Nashville, TN retyped 1999 by Dennis Nicklaus. Note by D. Nicklaus -- The published obit does give Oct. 1874 as the date when the Burnettsville Christian Church was organized. I'm pretty sure that year is a mistake.