The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-01-27

Sdlnuel rquiteH ScOtt.
Deacon S. S. Scott, one of the best
known and oldest citizens of this town,
died Sunday evening at $50 o'clock, af-
teri somewhat protracted illness. The
disease was a gradual failure of the vital
powers. The funeral services were held
from the hose Tuesday afternoon, the
Rev. Charles r. Seymour officiating. The
body was placed in the receiving vault
and will rest in the family lot in the
Revolutionary cemetery, where repose
the remains of so many historic people,
of whom he was a descendant.
Dea. Scott was born April 4th, 1918. in
Benningt' n, and had always lived here
excepting short residence in Troy, N.
Y, where he went in early manhood with
the late Daniel Robinson and remained
in business short time. The Scott
family came to this country in 1880, from
England, and those of whom he was the
direct descendant, came to Bennington
with the pioneers of the Hampshire
Grants in 1851. His grandfathers on
both sides fought in the battle of Ben
ningtOn, and his uncle, Martin Scott. was
captain in the Mexican war and the
hero of the ''coon story that periodi-
cally goes the rounds of the press. On
his mothers side Dea. SCOTS ancestors
were relatives of the Rev. Jedediah
Dewey, first pastor of the Old First
church, and known in history as "Par-
son." His mother was Lucretia Har-
man, daughter of Grace Dewey and
Ezekiel Hartman. Grace Dewey was a
niece of "Parson' Dewey, and Ezekiel
Hartman fought both at Bennington and
Ticonderoga.
In early life Dea. Scott learned the
trade of cabinet nader and therefore
drifted naturally into the furniture and
house furnishing trade. His first bust
ness venture at home was in connection
with his brother at the Centre,-the firm
of M. X. & S. S. Scott keeping general
store on the corner opposite and south of
the Old First church. 1t was said of
them that no one could call for ANYTHING
at that store and be refused because it
was not in stock. When the writer first
came to town in 1870, it was told for a
fact that to decide bet the committee
called for ''sec, and hand pulpit" and
the firm had one to sell, but of course we
do not vOuch for the accuracy of the
statement. Both then and later when
Dea. Scott was in this village, he kept a
eat variety of goods. In 1865 he moved
to this village and occupied tine two
large stores in Adams building, opposite
the Court House, having a workshop
and store rooms in the second and third
stories. His establishment was the
largest of its kind in the State. and al
most every article in his line was carried
in stock. But the stock of goods was
too large for the trade of the town and
surrounding country at that time, and
this, coupled with the deterioration Incl
dent to the carrying of so great and
varied an assortment. led to failure of
the house in 1881. After he had straight
ened out his business affairs he opened
small store in the same building, but as
it did not prove remunerative he per-
manently retired after short time from
business life. From this it will be seen
that he was identified with the business
interests of Bennington for more than
half a century.
Dea. Scott was twice married. Octo-
Der 18th, 1S4l, he was united with Fanny
Maria Patchen and to them were born
two daughters and son. The former
died in infancy, and the son, Edward
York City. Mr.. Scott was identified
with his father for a time in business
here. Mrs. Scott died May 18th, 1851.
September 5th, 1855, Dea. Scott was
united marriage to Eliza ]. Harrison of
North Adams, and She survives him.
They were blessed with one child, now
Mrs. Arthur G. Sherry of Troy, N. Y.
In all his family relations the deceased
was particularly happy, a-d his wife,
children, and large circle of friends sin
cerely mourn his departure.
Dea. Scott became member of the
Old First churcIA years ago. While in
Troy he attended the First Presbyterian
church, made historic by the pastorate
of the Rev. N. S. S. Beaman, D. D. He
afterwards lover % yeais ago), trans
ferred to the Second Congregational
church of this village and died in it's
communion. He was valued member
of the church, and held the Office of dea-
con many years.
Deacon Scott was an active member of
Mt Anthony Lodge of Masons long
time, and had been an honorary member
thereof several years. He will be greatly
missed in all these relations.