Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1873-02-08
Hon. Thomas A. Scott.

1nlS gentleman, VIM ieW yeoio osot
was comparatively unknown, has within
the PAST few ears uncstentatiously, qui-
ely, and almost Boisolessly reached po-
sition where he controls and directs the
operations of more miles of railroad than
either Vanderbilt, or any of his great COM
petitors, and that, TOO, before tie country
realized the magnitude of his schemes, or
the greatness Of his operations. To him
we owe the prospective wealth which the
building and completion Of the Texas Pa
cifc Railway will develop and add to our
resources, and the life and activity there
by infused into all channels Of trade and
commerce.
The life of such q man always possesses
q fascinating interest, and the following
SIX etch may interest our readers
Thomas Alexander Scott was born in
London, Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
on the 18th of December, 1924, and is now
in the 4Sth year of his age. In village
school, and from one teacher, he obtained
his education. While a youth, he was
clerk in the store Of his brother.in-law for
short time, and was noted for his quick
apprehension, industrious habits, and cor
rect department. At tho age Of fourteen,
we find him clerk at Columbia, assisting
in tho collection of tolls. In the twelve
years following this time, to the period
when he entered the service Of the Penn
sylvania Railroad Company, he was en-
gagged in clerking for different merchants,
but always in these changes departing
from one post to another of greater trust
and responsibility, and taking with him
the appreciation and good wishes Of bis
former employers.
In 1850 he entered the service of the Pa
cifc Railroad Company. Engaged first as
ma mayer Of the Easter division, upon the
completion Of that great thorougfare he
was made sole manager Of the whole line.
He was twenty-five years old. On the
death Of VIM. B. Foster he was elected
Vice. President of the road. Atthe break
ing out Of the war Col. Scott had become
so conspicuous for bis activity, energy and
great executive abilities, that President
Lincoln invited him to Washington, and
offered him the position Of Assistant Sec.
Rotary Of War, which he accepted. In
this position the value Of his services to
the government were immense. Order
came out of confusion, and confidence
reigned where doubt had before existed.
The great amount Of labor necessary TO d.
rect the management Of so many rail-
roads, and provide the rolling stock uec-
essary TO meet the wants Of the govern
ment, would have Frustrated less vigor-
Gus physical system, or persistent worker,
Subsequently, Col. Scott was for short
time President Of the Union Pacific Rail-
road, which resulted in placing that road
on irmer and more acceptable basis.
At the present time, first as President O.
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and
ss q stakeholder and director Of many
railroads in the South and West, he ID
chief in command Of the operations Of over
five thousand miles Of railroads. lti
There is something wonderful in such a
splendid success, when We consider the
limited education be received in early life
We must conclude that he has been boil
o hard student and worker, is not Oh ly the
possessor Of genius, but is q prsctical
man well suited 10 practical age. Hold
ing in his hands Q great power and influ-
ence, and controlling larger monsyed in.
terest than any other man in the nation,
flying 10 know that in all this splendid
success, which reads almost like fairy
tale, his name has ranked among the fore
most for unAinching integrity, and that
we hear no complaint Of individual or
corporate monopolies organised by him
against the interests Of the people.
In directing the building Of the Texas
Pacific, and in controlling its operotions,
Col. Scott is ably assisted by Gen. g. NJ.
Dodge, Chief engineer Of that road. The
latter gentleman is widely known for his
splendid engineering and great executive
abilities, and Is thorough going and ef-
fcient officers. The people Of Texas will
not soon forget these men and their CON-
peers who are doing 30 much for this
Tsrss Iron Age.