HISTORY OF WAUPACA COUNTY

1881

 

WINFIELD SCOTT, Waupaca, one of the pioneers of Waupaca County, was born in 1833, in Attica, N.Y.  His father, David Scott, born in 1794, engaged in an extensive milling and merchandising business, at one time owning nearly the whole of Attica.  In 1847, a fire destroyed so much of his property as to cause his removal West.  The year 1849 found him farming near Waupaca, "where," he says, "I spent some of my happiest days." At the outbreak of the war, in 1861, Mr. Scott was in the drug business; was stricken with paralysis in 1862, and went to New York for medical treatment.  he died in June, 1864, and lies buried on the old Attica homestead.  His son, whose name heads this sketch, made his start in life in partnership with his father.  The misfortunes of the sire caused Winfield to come West in 1850.  Locating at Appleton, Wis., he entered the employ of Reeder Smith, and was with him for five years.  While here he became Secretary of the Winnebago Lake and Fox River Plank Road Company; he was also the first telegraph operator in Appleton.  In 1856, he came to Waupaca and began business.  In 1859 and 1860, he was Clerk of the Court and Deputy County Treasurer.  In 1861, he was elected Clerk of the court, and re-elected in 1863.  By appointment and election, Mr. Scott has filled as principal or deputy nearly all the county offices, in spite of the fact that he is a sturdy Democrat.  Was elected county Judge in 1873, and served four years.  He is now Deputy Register of Deeds.  Mr. Scott owns a complete abstract of the titles of all Waupaca county real estate. This abstract was compiled by him at great cost of time and labor.  He is the owner of 20 city lots in Waupaca, and 200 acres of land near the city with two fine water privileges; aside from his official duties, he has, during the past twenty-five years, carried on an extensive speculating real estate and insurance business.  Has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since his first settlement here.  Is also a Mason, belonging to both the Chapter and Lodge of Waupaca.  In addition to the duties of his arduous county and private business, he has repeatedly served as Clerk, Supervisor and Trustee of the village and city of Waupaca.