McDonough ILGenWeb

SCOTT, Joshua H. (deceased). — John Scott, the father of Joshua H., was for many years one of the most widely known residents of McDonough and Schuyler Counties. He was a leader in his life occupation of husbandry, reared a fine family of thirteen children and, despite the proverbially unlucky number, was happy in all his family relations, and his progeny have prospered after him. The father of John Scott, (and the paternal grandfather of Joshua H.), was christened by the same name, and both were sons of the Emerald Isle. The grandfather on the maternal side was Solomon Hendrickson, his daughter, Mary Hendrickson, who became the wife of John Scott, being a native of Maryland. From Ohio John Scott and wife migrated to Bethel Township, McDonough County, in 1840, where he purchased a farm to serve as the foundation of a typical American homestead. This property he exchanged for another tract of 160 acres in McDonough County, and later increased his landed interests by entering land in Schuyler County. The homestead In McDonough County was mostly timberland, the father and son clearing it together, with the exception of ten acres which Joshua cleared after the death of his father and his purchase of the property. The father died February 2, 1875, his wife having passed away two years earlier.

After his father's death, Joshua H., who was the youngest son, purchased the interests of the other heirs and thereby obtained the title to 168 acres of valuable land. He devoted himself successfully to grain and stock-raising until September, 1904, when he removed to Macomb to make his home in a fine residence which he had bought on Chandler boulevard. Having managed his own interests to such advantage, his fellow citizens called upon him repeatedly to conduct their common affairs, with the result that he creditably served the township as Supervisor for two terms and as Assessor for one term. He was ever a sturdy Republican, and from his service as a boy in the Union Army, was enrolled as a member of the G. A. R. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, and in his religious convictions and professions, was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Joshua H. Scott was born in Bethel Township, McDonough County, on the 1st of March, 1848. His wife (formerly Mahala Wear), was also a native of McDonough County, both acquiring their education in the district schools. They were united in marriage on January 6, 1869, and there have been born to them the following children: Mary E. (Mrs. L. F. Greer), Lena C. (living at home), Amos N. (married to Myrtle Miner) and Roscoe and Rufus (twins), residing with their widowed mother, Mr. Scott having passed away September 6, 1905.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 998, extracted 30 Jul 2020 by Norma Hass.