T. J. Scott, a prominent farmer and stockman of Cole County, Mo., was born in the "Blue Grass State" in 1828, being the eldest of eleven children born to William and Pancy (Goodrich) Scott, who were also Kentuckians, and moved to Missouri in 1832, locating in Cole County, his farm being situated in Morgan Township. Here he was thrown from a horse and killed on the 7th of June, 1855. T. J. Scott received a fair education in the common schools, and after assisting on the home farm until twenty-two years of age he, in company with several others, made the overland trip to California, the journey being accomplished in four months. After mining in California for two years he returned to Missouri, and bought a farm in Clark Township, Cole County, and in the fall of 1855 was married to Mary J. Killin, who came from Kentucky with her parents at an early day, and settled in Cole County. After residing here for about eleven years Mr. Scott moved to the farm which he now owns in Moreau Township, a tract comprising 650 acres, with 350 under cultivation. In 1870 he discovered a lead mine on his farm, which yielded abundantly. He soon sold out to the Pioneer Mining Company, who probably realized $100,000 on their investment. Mr. Scott afterward engaged in merchandising in Decatur, in partnership with H. L. Chambers, but having nothing to do with the business, he was of course not successful. He continued there and at Belleville and Russellville for about four years. In 1888 he started a store in Russellville, under the firm name of T. J. Scott & Son, which still continues. He is now residing in his handsome residence, which was erected in 1876. He is a Democrat politically, and he and family attend the Baptist Church. He has four children living, three sons and one daughter, all of whom are thankful to their parents for their tender care.

Transcribed from:
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries, and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Company (1889).