Biography: From "Biographical Record of Bartholomew and Jackson Counties Indiana,
  Including Biographies of the Governors and Other Representative Citizens of Indiana",
  Illustrated, Published by B. F Bowen in 1904.

  Headline "Alexander Scott"

The visitor to the highly improved farm of this gentleman, in Owen
township, finds it difficult to realize its former state and how many
hard strokes necessary to bring it to its present condition. There is
little in the commodious residence, fine barns and out buildings,
cultivated fields and lowing herds to suggest the pioneer period, but
this beautiful place represents a link in that remarkable evolution
which, in the lifetime of men still living, has converted Indiana from
a wilderness to a smiling garden. The genealogy of the family from
whose enterprise and self-sacrifice this lovely homestead has been
evolved takes us back to very remote times and to a country beyond the
sea. When James Scott was born in Germany, October 23, 1781, the
American Revolution was still in progress and when, as a young
republic had scarcely passed the period of its swaddling clothes. It
was in 1810 that he came to Jackson county to join forces with the
small but heroic band of adventurers then struggling to rescue Indiana
territory from its slumber of centuries under the primeval
forests. The new arrival, however, took hold with the sturdy courage
that distinguished his nationality, and became a factor of importance
in the development that marked the succeeding decades in that
state. The wild government land with which they had started was slowly
but surely converted into tillable acres, the long cabin was replace
with a better abode and when the original occupants were called to
their last account, they had something of value to leave to their
descendants. He married Susanna Zike, who was born in
Kentucky. 

William Scott, one of the eldest of their children, who was born
January 6, 1815, took up the work laid down by his aged father and
carried it on with a resolution worthy the son of an early pioneer. He
grew up in Owen township, which was the place of his nativity, entered
government land on his own account and became a conspicuous figure in
his community during the memorable days of hard cider, log cabins and
coonskin caps. He know what it was to drive oxen, to pull at stubborn
stumps, to cut grain with the old fashioned scythe and to "shuck corn"
by the light of the moon. But there was another side to the picture,
some sunshine to mingle with the shadows, and the pioneer boys had
sure escape from sorrow around the festive board of evenings or the
sugar camps by the side of their chosen lassies. Among the attractive
girls in linsey woolsey and sunbonnet, who figured in these rustic
entertainments, was Mary Woods, and thus fair damsel found favor in
the eyes of William Scott. In after years he was fond of telling how
he used to go visiting "at the neighbors" dressed in home-made
clothes, and "spark" his sweet heart as she twirled the spinning wheel
before the roaring log fire. In due time Mary became Mrs. William
Scott and proved a faithful helpmeet to her husband until death ended
his earthly career in September, 1865. She was destined long to
survive the lover of her youth and the father of her children, as it
was not until August 18, 1897, that she closed her eyes on the world
and all of its sorrows. The eight children of these old pioneers were
Parthenie, wife of B. G. Hamilton, a farmer of Owen township; Benjamin
F., of Brownstown; Daniel, deceased; Alexander and Martha (twins),
Nancy C., James M. and John William.

Alexander Scott, who appears fourth in the above list, was born on his
father's farm in Jackson county, Indiana, February 26, 1843. No
incident of importance is recorded in his life until the fall of 1862,
when he enlisted in Company F, Sixty-seventh Regiment Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, for services in the arm of the Union. He
participated in many important engagements during the arduous
campaigns in the west and south, among them being Mumfordsville,
Kentucky, where he was captured, but was shortly afterward paroled. He
was also in the thick of the fight at Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post,
Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, Grand Cotcau, Mansfield, siege of
Forts Games and Morgan, siege and capture of Blake City. Returning
home immediately after the war, Mr. Scott purchased a farm in Owen
township and also rented a part of his father's place, which kept him
busy many years to get in shape for modern methods of agriculture. It
was an arduous undertaking, involving an immense amount of hard work,
but he proved equal to this occasion and the original rough,
unimproved place has been made literally to "blossom as the rose." At
present Mr. Scott has charge of two hundred and fifty-three acres of
excellent land, in a good state of cultivation, well stocked in every
way and inferior to no farm of its size in the county. In 1888 he
built a comfortable residence for the occupancy of himself and family
and only a glimpse at the barn, is necessary to show that a first
class farmer has charge of this place. Mr. Scott has not fads, but is
progressive and understands the value arising from feeding the
products of his farm to stock, instead of selling it off, to the
gradual impoverishment of the land.  October 10, 1867, Mr. Scott was
united in marriage with Miss Eliza Adeline, daughter of J. M and
Elizabeth Henderson, who were old and successful settlers in this
section. Mr. and Mrs.  Scott have had five children: William Ezra,
resident of Clear Spring and township trustee; James M. remains at
home; Daniel F., deceased; Norma E., wife of Horace Payne, in business
at Clear Spring; Carrie Bell, deceased, wife of Thomas Cummins. The
children were given good educations and those living are doing well in
their various vocations. The parents are members of the Christian
church and the whole family, young and old, are among the most popular
people of their respective communities.