Scott Winfield10

Waupaca County Post

Prime Time

January 12, 2006

When Waupaca Was Young

By Dan Nerhaugen

Judge Winfield Scott Once Held Title to Much of Waupaca

One of the 19^th-century Waupaca’s leading lights breathed his last breath 100 years ago this week.

A few days later, the lead story atop the front page of the Waupaca Post began, “Waupaca is again called upon to mourn the death of one of its foremost citizens, a man who came here when the village was in the formative period of its existence, and who, in a quiet and unassuming way, did a great deal to make it the progressive, enterprising city which it now is.

“Though it has been known for some months that the infirmities of age had confined Judge Winfield Scott to his home, yet his death, which occurred on Friday night, Jan. 12, [1906] was a shock to the community. …

“Winfield Scott was born in Attica, New York, in March, 1823, and was therefore nearly 83 years old at the time of his death. With his parents, he came west in 1850, living at Appleton for five years before coming to this city, where his father had preceded him.”

“Upon his arrival here he made an abstract of the real estate of the county, and continued in that business ever since, combining with it an extensive real estate, money loaning and insurance business. Though always a consistent Democrat, he served many years as clerk of the court, and in other county positions, in this, a Republican stronghold.

“In 1873, he was elected county judge, serving with great credit for four years. He also served several terms as village an city clerk, trustee and supervisor, though of late years he steadily refused office.

Judge Scott was a man of excellent judgment and much learning; he was frequently consulted by businessmen generally, and his advice was always conservative and helpful. He was, in more ways than one, a leading citizen; he was prominent in the Masonic circles, having been high priest of the chapter many years, and for 20 years or more treasurer of the blue lodge.

“He was a consistent Christian, and in the early days, before the first M.E. church grew to its present strength, was its main support. For 13 years he was its superintendent of Sunday School, relinquishing the duties only a few years ago. “With rate foresight, he realized the future of the city, and in the early days acquired many city lots and adjoining property, the increase in the value of which, as the year went by, securing him a competency.”