- The Almonte Gazette - Thursday July 22, 1954 front page & page 5
Former Mayor and Warden of County Dies at Home Here
Almonte lost one of its most prominent citizens on Wednesday morning in the death of William Edward Scott which occured at his home on Elgin Street following an illness of several months. He had enjoyed phenomenally good health up tothe latter part of 1953, and it was often remarked of him that he was one of the best preserved men in town for his age.
Born on a farm on the second line of Ramsay near Union Hall, a son of William Scott and Mary Jane Kemp, Mr Scott was educated in the country school near his home and at Almonte High School. While a young man he went to Toronto where he worked with an undertaking firm until 1904 when he purchased the business from the late L. W. Shipman, which he carried 0n ever since.
50th. Business Aniversary
Having taken stock, Mr. Scott reopened the store to the public on May 4th. 1904, and it was from that day that he really dated his connection with the business life of Almonte, celebrating anniversaries from time to time as the long period of years unfolded until he came to his 50th in May of this year. By that time he was in indifferent health and was confined to his home with Mr. R. A. Goodison, an experienced furniture dealer and enbalmer, in charge at the store.
In the long period that has elapsed Mr Scott was singularly successful in his own business and in municipal affairs. His first venture in public life was when he was elected as a trustee to the public school board, soon after coming here. He then migrated to the Electric Light Commission, as it was known at the time, and in 1911 became reeve. His career in the County Council brilliant. He was an able representative of the town and when his colleages raised him to the Wardenship in 1916 he filled that high office with ability and destiction.
Elected to Mayor
Having fulfilled his ambition on the County Council, Mr Scott sought and was elected to the mayoralty of Almonte in 1918 and again in 1921 and 1924. It was during his last term that the present renerating plant was constructed.
After that Mr Scott retired to private life for a considerable time. As he often said to his friends, he did not expect to come back. But in 1943 he was prevailed upon to seek the mayoralty once again, together with a slate of colleagues of whom he approved. He continued to hold office until 1946 when he retired again. this time in spite of pressure brought to bear on him from time to time he adhered to his decission not to re-enter public life.
He Wrought Well
during his time in the Council as Mayor, many progressive steps were taken that will live long in the memory of those fellow citizens who were old enough to appreciate them and who appreciate him. The late Mr. Scott had great administrative ability, was a good speaker and was blessed with a fine appearance. He had an alert manner, a spingy step and gave the impression of being capable and able to grasp a subject without much exertion. He always felt it was a rather unique distiction to have been mayor of the town when World War One ended and again when World War Two was concluded.
Had Many Interests
He was a member of Mississippi Lodge, A.F. & A.M. and a past master; also a member of Granite Chapter. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church up to the time of Union and later to the United Church. He was interested in many forms of sport. Thes included hockey, which he always supported, golf which he played in late years, curling and fishing. He was one of the charter members of the Pickeral Piont Fishing club and up to a few years ago enjoyed going to White Lake for a Holiday.
taken all around Ed, as he was known to many, was an oustanding citizen of the town who will be sadly missed in many ways.
In 1906, Mr Scott married the late Effie James who predeceased him in December, 1931. A daughter and son survive in this first family, namely, Marjorie (Mrs. C.R. McDowall), Carleton Place, and Allan Ottawa South Druggist. In 1938 he married Loretta Foy of Almonte who survives him along with three children: Judith, Robert and Kevin.
Mr Scott was one of a family of six - two brothers and four sisters. Of these only three sisters survive, namely Mrs John Robertson (Jean) of Edmonton; Mrs Robert Young, (Lucinda) of Almonte and Mrs William Banning (Addie) of Carleton Place. He was predeceased by one sister, Mrs. Frank Alexander and by on brother, J.A Scott of Toronto.
the funeral will be held from the family residence, Elgin Street, Friday afternoon. Service at 2.00 o'clock. Interment in the Auld Kirk Cemetery.
The Almonte Gazette, Thusday 5 Aug 1954, front page, stone 150
Final Tribute Paid Former Mayor Of Almonte at Funeral on July 23
The funeral of the late W.E. Scott, held from the family residence, Elgin Street, Friday afternoon, July 23rd. was largely attended not only by people from the immidiate district but from many neighbouring towns in the Ottawa Valley.
Mr Scott, a former councillor, reeve and mayor of Almonte and ex-warden of the County, was widely known. He died on Wednesday, July 21st, following an illness of several months duration.
Following his death, the flag on the town hall was hauled to half mast as a tribute to one who served to town well in several important capacities.
Services at the home and at the grave in the Auld Kirk Cemetery were conducted by Rev J. Ray Anderson, pastor of Bethany United Church.
The following acted as honourary pallbearers: Edward James, W.A James, John Lindsay, R. A. France, George Hourigan, D.W. Snedden, E.P. Coady, James Abram, William Anderson, James Connery, D.K. Fraser, Lorne James, Louis Peterson, Wm. Shaver.
Active pallbearers were: Roy Robertson, Ernest Robertson, R.A. Young, Kenneth Scott, and M.K. Alexander.
Among a profussion of floral offerings were the following from organizations and firms with which the deceased had been connected in his lifetime: Town of Almonte, Peter's Point Fishing Club, the Board of Park Management, Almonte Girl Guides, Public Utilities Employees, Elliot Brthers, Lanark County Council and Officials, Ottawa and District Funeral Directors Association, Officers and Members of Mississippi Lodge, A.F. & A.M., 147 Dominion Manufacturers Ltd.
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1879 - 1954 (75 years)
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