Evening star., 1905-09-15

Looge, NO. Y. r. A. a. M. Mt. terhon
Royal Arch Chapter. No. 8. r. A. NJ. and
Columbia Commandery. No. 2, X. T.. He
was also a past grand commander of the
Knight Templars of West Virginia.
Sketch Of His Career.
Charles Fletcher Scott was born sixty
eight years ago. September 8. 1887, IN
Brooke county. Virginia tnow West Vir-
ginia). and was OF Scotch-Irish parentase.
When he was eleven years old his father
died. and four years later the demise of his
mother left him an orphan In 1852 he be-
gan. to attend school In Ohio, but after
three years he was compelled to give up
school life on account of Ill health. After
spending eighteen months In Iowa to recu-
perate he attended school in Pennsyl-
vanfa, and later in Albany N. Y, where he
graduated In law in 1861. He was thrilled
with the martial spirit OF the north at the
time and almost Immediately after he
graduated he enlisted for the war. but on
account OF injuries received while on re-
cruiting service. served but q short time.
In 1852. On his return to his Virginia
home, he assisted In inaugurating the
movement for making new state out OF
q part OF the old dominion. to be called
West Virginia. He attracted considerable
public attention and was elected TO the
when the state was but little more than
a year old. and again In 1865 In 1857 he
moved to Richie county. In the same state.
where he became the editor OF a repuou-
yer. He was appointed prosecuting attor-
ney in 1859 and was elected to the oniee
the following year. He became state
senator about that time also. and served
He jumped into prominence by his energy
popularity and influence In the state sen
ate, and was nominated Tor Congress IN
1878. but the democrats still held the pal
ance of power in his district and he was
defeated. In the next year he moved to
Parkersburg. W. Va, to practice law;
and there also was the part owner ana
editor of a newspaper. the State Journal.
He was a member OF the law firm OK scott,
Cole & Bro, the other two members OF the
firm being the late Judge c. c. Cole and
his brother, the late Wymer L. Coie' poth
Of whom died In this city.
In 1878 Judge Scott was appointed post
master at Parkersburg. which position ne
held until the democrats obtained controi
of the national administration seven years
later He served his party as chairman
Of the congressional executive committee:
and in 1888, at Wheeling. he was elected
secretary OF tho state league & OF sepuoilSan m scn
cessful as an organizer that he was re-
elected in the ensuing year.
Becomes Pardon Clerk.
In September. 1880. he was appointed by
President Harrison as pardon clerk in the
Department Of Justice. a position which
required unusual tact and judgment, and
In which position he served efficiently un-
til the close OF the republican administra-
tion and the change to democratic pre-
dominance In 1898. when he resigned.
Shortly after that he was made a Justice
of the peace In the District and continued
as such until the fall OF 1897. when he was
appointed Police Court judge to succeed
Judge Thomas F. Miller who died a short
time previously. Judge Scott was subse-
quently reappointed for a full term OF six
years by the President. thus having his ef-
fcient service recognized by those in au-
thority He had still about three years to
serve.
During his eight years OF service on the
bench Judge Scott was regarded by the bar
and by others who had occasion to observe
his course and review his opinions, as both
fair and equitable
During his residence in Washington his
friends have urged him for positions Of
much responsibility, including a judgeship
In of the higher courts, and District
Commissioner but in each case other In
terests interviewed to deprive him of the
appointment.
In his private life he was pure and up
right. He was member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church for many years. and was
honored by being sent as delegate from
the West irginia annual conference to the
general conference and other legislative
bodies OF his denomina ton. He en-
thusiastic In Sunday school work and in
other activities OF the church In his earlier
years.