The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-05-22
Death Of Colonel Thomas A. Scott.


CLIFTON. PA. May 2l.-ColoDel Thomas
4. Scott died at 9 O'Clock this evening.
ThOmlS Alexander scott was born in Lon
don, Franklin county, Pa, and entered the
service of the Pennsylvania railroad in 1850,
succeeding j. Edgar Thompson as pIesi-
dent in 1874 In 1861 be was appointed
Assistant Secretary Of War, having charge
OF military transportation. In 1873 Colonel
Scott failed, and settled with his creditors
in full, although at the time of his death bis
wealth was eS mated at seventeen million
dollars. When the Union Pacific railroad
was in trouble he came 10 its relief and be-
came the head of the corporation. The Penn
sylvania company, which manages the rail
ways west Of Pittsburgh. embracing four
thousand miles, was entirely directed by bis
master mind. Commodore Vanderbilt called
him the greatest railroad officer that ever
lived. The serious illness Of Colonel Scott
began about three years ago, with paralysis
Of the left side. His physicians ordered him
to give M all work Immediately and rest for
a considerable period. Following that
advice, he sailed for Europe anu spent
more than year in travelling and recrea-
ton. While absent he consulted number
OF leading physicians and tried the various
baths which are so universally used by in
validS. 1t was thought that his health was
benefited by the treatment and rest, but
few months work, on his return,
brought Oh the disease in 4 more
aggravated form. When it was found
that his illness was really dangerous,
he determined 10 retire from the preSi-
dency OF the Pennsylvania railroad. and
shortly afterwards from AL active business.
He still retained an Office in the Pennsylya-
MIA railroad building by special directions
of the Board of Directors, and until two
months ago was in the habit OF visiting 1t
almost daily. He here received his friends
and spent a few hours pleasantly, going
with a hVervman al his side TO and from
his residence. The third and most serious
attack Of the disease took place three weeks
ago. Colonel Scott. who was always in eX-
celcnt spirits and made light Of his nfrmi-
ties. determined to attend the wedding Of
the son OF Theodore Cuyler, few doors
below bis own residence, on RitenhOu>e
Square. He got into his carriage, and wax
driven TO Mr.. CuyleT's door. When the
fOOtm1n opened the carriage be was aston
iShed 10 find the Colonel reclining on the
seat. \ death-lIke palor was on his face,
and he was evidently very Ill. lie was
driven 10 his house, carried up stars, and
DR.. :. Weir Mitchell, DR.. Wilson, and other
physicians were hurriedly summoned. y
glance told them that Colonel Scott had SUI
fered another stroke of paralysis. The
usual restoratiyeS were applied, and the
patient rallied slowly at first, but with as
tonishlng rapidly in few days. While
the public-whO had been appriSed OF his
illness through the newSpapers-weree X-
pecting to hear of his death, Colonel Scott
was fast getting better, and within a
week OF his attack was able TO get ont
OF bed and walk across the floor. The sick
man was removed to his cOuntry-seat, near
Darby, n soon as he was able, and the
change seemed TO do him good. Late on
Thursday night it became evident that he
was about 10 receive another stroke, and
every precauton was taken to relieve him.
His condition grew worse, and all OF yester-
day his death was hourly expected. During
all ms illness Colonel SCOTS mind had been
perfectly clear until last evening, when 1t
was noticed that his memory was failing;
but he retained his spirits long after every
hope OF saving his life bad vanished. HIS
bedside was surrounded all day by his wife
aud his nearest friends, including his son,
James F. scott.