William Scott

William Scott was a Democratic politician and businessman who served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 27th congressional district from 1885 until 1889. In addition to his political career, he was a prominent railroad executive and a notable horse breeder and racer. His wealth and influence in both business and politics marked him as a significant figure in late 19th-century America.

Early life and career

William Lawrence Scott was born on July 2, 1828, in Washington, D.C. He was the son of Mary Ann Lewis and Colonel Robert Scott, a U.S. Army officer who had graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Colonel Scott was stationed in the capital at the time of his son's birth but passed away when William was just seven years old. This early loss shaped Scott's upbringing, as he was raised by his mother and was influenced by a family lineage that included notable figures in law and military service. His paternal grandfather, Gustavus Scott, was a colonial lawyer and public official who served as the first Commissioner of Public Buildings for the City of Washington, appointed by President George Washington. His maternal grandfather, Colonel Henry Lewis, was a judge in Virginia.

Scott's education included attendance at common schools and Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. His early career began when he served as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1840 to 1846. After his time in Washington, he returned to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a shipping clerk at the lakeside wharves of Charles Manning Reed, a former congressman. Following this, Scott engaged in various occupations, including peddling, fishing, and clerking, until he established himself as a businessman.

By the age of 23, Scott had become a successful landowner and investor. He was involved in several industries, including shipping, coal mining, iron manufacturing, banking, and railroad construction. He founded the firm W. L. Scott & Co. around 1871, which played a significant role in his financial success. His ventures in the New York Stock Exchange reportedly earned him substantial profits, contributing to an estimated fortune of $15 million at the height of his career. Scott also held leadership positions in various railroad companies, including the New York, Pennsylvania, and Norfolk Railroad, as well as the Erie and Pittsburgh Railroad.

House tenure

Scott's political career began to take shape in the mid-1860s when he was elected mayor of Erie, serving two non-consecutive terms in 1866 and 1871. He became increasingly involved in the Democratic Party, serving on the Democratic National Committee from 1876 to 1884 and again in 1886. His political influence extended to the national level, where he was a delegate to multiple Democratic National Conventions throughout the late 19th century.

In 1884, Scott was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat, representing Pennsylvania's 27th congressional district. He served in the Forty-ninth and Fiftieth Congresses, where he was appointed chairman of the United States House Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy during his second term. His tenure in Congress was marked by his close relationship with President Grover Cleveland, who was a friend and ally. Scott was considered a potential candidate for the position of Secretary of the Treasury under Cleveland, reflecting his standing within the party.

Despite being renominated for Congress in 1888 and again in 1890, Scott declined to run for re-election due to health concerns. His time in the House of Representatives concluded on March 3, 1889, after which he focused on his business interests and personal endeavors.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Scott's legislative focus was influenced by his extensive background in business and industry. As chairman of the House Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy, he oversaw matters related to naval spending and expenditures, an area where his business acumen likely provided valuable insights. His role in this committee highlighted the intersection of his political and business interests, particularly in relation to the burgeoning railroad industry and its connections to national infrastructure.

Scott's wealth and status as one of the richest members of Congress at the time allowed him to engage in significant social and political activities. He was known for entertaining guests at his residence, Scott House, which overlooked Old Plantation Creek. His prominence in both the political and social spheres of Washington, D.C., was further enhanced by his passion for horse racing and breeding. He maintained a farm that included facilities for breeding and wintering racehorses, reflecting his interests outside of politics.

In addition to his business and political activities, Scott was involved in the horse racing community, owning several notable racehorses and participating in various racing events. His investments in horse breeding included the establishment of the Algeria Stock Farm in Erie, where he acquired high-quality broodmares and racehorses, contributing to his reputation in the equestrian world.

Scott's legacy is intertwined with his contributions to both the political landscape of Pennsylvania and the broader national context during a transformative period in American history. His dual roles as a businessman and politician exemplify the complexities of late 19th-century American society, where personal wealth and political influence often intersected. After his death on September 19, 1891, in Newport, Rhode Island, his estate was estimated to be worth between $15 million and $25 million, a testament to his successful career and lasting impact on his community and beyond. He was interred in a mausoleum in Erie Cemetery, designed by a local architect, marking his prominence in the region.