The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1881-05-28
Death OF Col. Thomas A. Scott.


Thomas Alexander Scott, ex.president Of the
Psnnsyivania Railroad Company, died at his
country residence at Darby, near Philadelphia,
on Saturday evening Of last week, aged 81 year.
Thomas Alexander Scott was born In London.
Franklin county, Pa, In 1879. where his father
kept hotel. When he gas about the age Of 10
years his father died and he went 10 reside with
his sister at Waynesboro' and short time after
with his brother, james ID. Scott, at Bridgeport.
One day, when ~ years Of age, he attracted the
attention Of Roland Ditlar, who, In partnership
with Frederick Baker, kept n store near their ex-
tensive iron works In Huntington county, aud
was engaged as clerk. In the spring Of 1889
Mai. james Patton, his brotheT-in.law, collector
Of tolls ON the canal and railroads at Columbia,
made him clerk In his Office. In 1871 he was
appointed chief clerk by Dr. Gwin, the successor
TO Maj. Patton. Young Scott remained rs chief
clerk two years, when he established n saw mill
in the basin nj Columbia aud did n good business.
When % years Of age he was married 10 Miss
Margaret Mullison. Freshets destroyed his mill
business and he with others constructed an ice
house at Wrightsville, and did = Wholesale busi.
ness. Another failure was scored by young Scott,
though this enterprise was actually the origin of
the great kniekerbocker Ice Company. Scott
secured n clerkship in the Office OF A. Boyd Cum.
mings, collector Of tolls. in Philadelphia, aud in
short time he was made chief clerk, such were his
superior abilities. Amer remaining in Phiiadcl-
Phia two years Scott returned TO Columbia and
entered the transportation house Of ID. LEIGH 4
Co. rs westward shipper. In 1850 lac was APP
pointed by Mr. J. Edgar Thompson. chief engi-
neer Of the Pennsylvania railroad. station agent
at Duncansville, on the Allegheny mountains,
then the western terminus Of the road, and there
fore position Of great responsibility. When the
road was completed 10 Pittsburgh he was APP
pointed suPerintedent Ofth western division with
headquarters In the Smoky City. Prior to this,
April q, 1855. he lost his wife. whose remains
were inferred in the Columbia Cemetery. lie
continued NJ western superintendent until 1857,
when he succeeded Gen. Lambert as general
pctintcndent, with his quarters nj Altoona. In
1850. Mr.. John Edgar Thompson, the president Of
the company. desiring To have the advantage Of
Col SCOTS advice and assistance, sent for him.
The subject Of this sketch much surprised
when the position of first vice president of the road
was rendered To him. 81 ain deeply gratiied nj
this mark of your esteem said the superintcnd-
cnt, "but am not eligible II l. necessary that
the one who l. 90 bs made first vice president
should have held $4,000 worth Of st"cK .or Fix
months prior to his election. I ,lo not "sn u
share of stock" You must be mistaken. Mr..
| Scott" said President Thompson. THE books &c
the company show that two hun rcI shares of
stock have been registered in your name for n
longer period than six months. The two men shook
hands and Mr.. Scott was made vice pref lent.
shortly ai;cr he married. for. the sccani time. n
Mis- Riddle. Of Pittsburgh. The Wee prcsi
dent soon displayed such gualitic. as justified hi.
promotion. Thomps"n's giant bTL,n liaaIsi ani
Scots quick intellect executed. The Pcnnsyiva.
MIA railroad was extended and its great power and
wealth brought to u eliminating point, ani It's
system became the grcatcst In the country.
At the time Of his death Col. Sco,t Il said to
have been worth Sl7 900. 0nn. lie leaves u grow
son. Mr.. Janrs Potter Scott. daughter. the wife
Of Mr.. B!cksli. of Phila.. aud two small children.