The Story of George Washington Scott, 1829-1903: A Family Memoir

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A Family MemVkby Betty V*

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The Scott Crest:

A stag trippant Proper, attired and unguled Or

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The Scott Motto:

Amo (I love)

The Scott Name:

While likely to be Celtic in origin, the exact
derivation of this name is unclear. The Latin
word Scotti was used originally to denote
the Irish Celts and, later, Gaels in general,
although an early written record of the name
is accompanied by a Saxon personal name.
By the end of the 15th century, the Scotts
were among the most powerful of the Borders
clans, and the chief could easily call upon a
thousand spears to support his will.

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A young George Washington
Scott, circa the Civil War.

The Story of
George Washington Scott

1829-1903

A Family Memoir by
Betty Pope Scott Noble ] 44

Dedicated to my father, Milton Candler Scott (1895-2001),
worthy grandson of Col. George Washington Scott

Published by the Noble family in cooperation with Agnes Scott College, 2002

* 7

;

'

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank the following for their contributions
to the development of this book:

Mary Brown Bullock '66 who brought Betty Pope Scott Noble's
story to the attention of the College and stirred interest in the life
of the founder's mother during her Opening Convocation speech
for the 1998-1999 academic year. This book continues that story.

Christine Cozzens for her thoughtful editing and proofing.

Michael Brown for his keen insight about the unique position of
the Scots-Irish in British and Irish history.

Sala Rhodes for her careful management of the College archives
and her willingness to help at every step of the process.

Mary Zimnik of Studio-MZ for design and production.

Agnes Scott College

President Mary Brown

Bullock '66 and the author,

Betty Pope Scott Noble '44,

cut a cake that is in the

likeness of Agnes Scott Hall

(the oldest building on the

Agnes Scott College

campus and otherwise

known as "Main") on

the occasion of the

200th anniversary of

Agnes Irvine Scott's

birthday (June 13, 1999).

Agnes was Col. Scott's

mother for whom the

college he founded

was named.

George Washington Scott, 1829-1903

by Betty Pope Scott Noble '44

When George Washington Scott made a fortune
in industrial adventures in the 1880s, he went
to his minister and said, "God has greatly blessed
me with wealth, and 1 do not want it to harden my heart.
I want to build a school for the education of young women "

This was the beginning of Agnes Scott College, a college for
women, which was named for Scott's mother. At this time no
great importance was attached to the education of women. Why
did Scott say he did not want money to harden his heart? Why
did he want to establish a school to educate young women?
Scott's amazing life provides some answers to these questions.

As a youth and in ill health, Scott left his northern home after
his father died, traveling south in an effort to improve his health
and to seek his fortune. He began his journey by peddling
jewelry to pay for his expenses. Scott developed a plantation in
Florida, cast his lot with the Confederate States in the Civil War,
became a colonel, fought in some decisive battles, was elected
governor of Florida during the Reconstruction period and sur-
vived the yellow fever epidemic in
which his brother died. While Scott was
living in Savannah, Georgia, his partner
in a joint investment firm absconded
with the company's money. As a result
of this, Scott was left bankrupt. But in
time, he paid back every cent with
interest to the investors who had lost
their money. In Decatur and Atlanta
Scott developed the valuable real estate
he had purchased, establishing a very
successful fertilizer business and build-
ing and putting into operation a textile
mill as well as constructing the Century
Building. However, his greatest accom-
plishment was the founding of Agnes
Scott College in Decatur.

The Scots-Irish

After centuries of intermittent effort, the English
completed their conquest of Ireland in the early
1600s. In order to establish English influence and
rule in that solidly Catholic country, King James I
(a Scot) confiscated the lands of native Irish
Catholics and offered them to English and Scottish
Protestants as inducements to settle there,
particularly in the north in the province of Ulster.
Lured by this promise of free land, large numbers of
Scottish Presbyterians moved to Ireland and
became "Scots-Irish." In County Down, where
Agnes Irvine was born, the Scots-Irish were the
dominant group.

Further hostility between native Catholics and the
more recently arrived Protestants developed during
the English Civil War (1640-1649), when the Irish

was crusTied byl Oliver <&Mlft&^<Mt{ms**** f/
massacres at Wexford and Drogheda. When the
Dutch Protestant William of Orange ascended the
yyrEnglish thron.ejn l^p^he.lrish rose ipjsuRp.ortj)f, J , , , . ,

\ defeated the I rish forces at the Battle of the Boyne

in July, a victory still celebrated today by Protestant
"Orangemen." Following the victory, the enactment
of discriminatory laws to punish the Catholics
deepened the division between the two groups.
B

In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries,
the Scots-Irish formed less than 10 percent of the
total population of Ireland. They lived primarily in
Ulster. Though faring better than the native
Catholics, the Scots-Irish suffered discrimination by
the dominant Anglican group, which controlled the
parliaments in Dublin and London. In addition to
these political conditions, like all Irish the Scots-
., I Irish faced the exigencies of an increasingly
l densely populated country and a failing economy.
. Many of them emigrated to North America, espe-
cially to settlements in Virginia, North Carolina, and
Pennsylvania.

Image of old postcard of Alexandria,
Pennsylvania where George
Washington Scott was born

Contributed by Michael Brown

wv mv xwm mw

ne Scott, George
mother

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1 '" tie / <=" .

jjg.aS^SJSSSS 5

:i' of a rare and recent find
Agnes Irvine Scott's Bible, which

.in inset of her favorite passage

How did he accomplish all this? What was his motivation, and what were the influences that
molded such a character: 1

This is the story of George Washington Scott's accomplishments and of his struggles. Scott
came through many hard trials, but eventually became a man whose life and generosity
jlessed many people during his lifetime and continue to bless the lives of hundreds of young
women.

The story of George Washington Scott began on February 22, 1829, when he was born in the

tall town of Alexandria, Pennsylvania. This little town is set amid low rolling hills and is
especially lovely in the fall of the year when the maple trees are in full color. The sparkling
waters of the Juniata River run through the town and flow directly behind the homes of some
of the early settlers ' John and Agnes Irvine Scott, Scott's parents, both of Irish descent,
I lived in a house which bordered the river where many iron factories flourished. 2

John Scott, Scott's father, had five living children when, at the age of 37, he married Agnes
i Irvine, a little more than a year after the death of his first wife, Sarah. Agnes was 22 at the
time of her marriage to John with whom she had seven children of her own, making in

time a family of 12 children. 2 It is understandable that John Scott chose a young,

strong Irish girl who could care for his large household.

George Washington Scott, the fourth child of this marriage, was born into a home of
some financial means. His father, John
Scott, a strong Presbyterian, was a
respected, prosperous gentleman, who
owned a shoe manufacturing and a
leather tanning business as well as a large
|arm. John Scott was a major in the War of
1812 and later served in both the Pennsyl-
vania House of Representatives and the
United States of House of Representatives. 3

cott's boyhood was spent in Alexandria
fiere he received his education along with
the siblings in his family Susan, John,
James Irvine, William, Mary Irvine and
Alfred. 3 Since lames and William died at
an early age, Scott seemed closer in rela-
tionship to John, his older brother, than to
the other siblings.

As a very young boy in Pennsylvania, George Washington
Scott wore this sailor suit, hand-made by his mother,
Agnes, who also hand-wove the material.

The greatest influence in Scott's home was the strong Christian character and teaching of his
mother, Agnes Irvine Scott, who had come with her mother, Mary Stitt, from Northern
Ireland to Alexandria in 1816 Economics and personal tragedies had driven Mary Stitt and
Agnes to settle with their relatives.

Agnes's Christian commitment seems to have been the driving force of her life, which so
strongly influenced her family. The admonition from Proverbs 3:5,6 found written in her own
hand in her Bible was a reflection of her life and served as a guide to her children as well as to
Agnes's descendants. The verse reads:

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths

Habits of prayer, Bible reading, Christian service and regular attendance at the Presbyterian
church were an integral part of the home in which George Washington Scott grew up. 3 This
strong Christian commitment became the very core of Scott's being, and he held to it during
both the successful and the discouraging times.

It is told that a young Scott and his neighbor, Rebekah Bucher (who would later become his 1
wife), were both in attendance at a birthday party. The temptation to take off their shoes and
wade in the cool waters of the Juniata River was more than the young boys at the party
could resist. Rebekah expressed to Scott her desire to do as the boys had done. Scott
discouraged Rebekah, feeling that it was improper for a young girl dressed for a party to
take off her shoes and stockings and wade with the boys in the river However, Scott
assured her that after the party he would bring her back to the river's edge so that she
might wade in the river to her "heart's content " 4

At about the age of 20 while Scott was working on his father's large farm near the family
home, he began, from time to time, to feel ill with discomfort in his throat and chest. This ]
problem continued until, at the age of 2 1 , it was determined that he should leave the North
and the harsh winter weather of Pennsylvania and travel south to a warmer climate in an
effort to improve his health. 3

Unfortunately, just 1 2 days prior to Scott's departure for his journey south, his father, John j
Scott, died at the age of 66. 3 Agnes Scott, having already lost two young sons, naturally
was greatly bereaved at the time of her husband's death. Nevertheless, Agnes was deter-
mined that her son continue with his plan to travel south.

After packing the jewelry that Scott had purchased to sell to defray his expenses while on j
his Southern journey, he boarded a steam vessel en route from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,

George Washington
Scott's Life and Times

Agnes Irvine Scott (married to
John Scott in 1821) gives birth to
George Washington Scott, future
founder of Agnes Scott College.

|ohn S
Washington Scott's father

Wedding picture of George
Washington Scott and his wife,
Rebekah Bucher Scott

In the United States, riots break
out between native-born Protes-
tant workers and Irish Catholic
immigrant workers in Philadelphia.

1845-1852

In Ireland, the potato blight
destroys most of the annual crop,
leading to the Great Famine.

1845-1855

1.8 million Irish immigrants arrive
in North America.

to Charleston, South Carolina. Scott writes concerning his feelings, "Here I am amongst
strangers, that there not being one person on board that I have ever seen before. However, it
was not long until 1 became pretty familiar with several among the numbers." 5 Scott's
friendliness and warmth of spirit continued to be evident in his relationships with people he
associated with in the 45 cities he visited in the Southern states. While enjoying new
acquaintances, Scott also observed the cultivation of cotton, sugar cane, rice and fruit trees
in the agricultural areas. In Greensboro, Georgia, he became interested in a cotton factory,
an interest he would pursue in later years. 5

Scott settled in 1851 in Quincy, Florida, where he lived for about a year in Mr. Bradwell's
Boarding House for $17 a month. In spite of the warmer climate, Scott continued to
have discomfort in his throat and chest, and it was during these times that he missed his
family and friends in Pennsylvania At one such time Scott exclaimed in his diary, "Oh
how I would like to see my mother!"

Early in Scott's stay of about a year in Quincy he became friends with two medical
doctors Dr Davison and his son Dr. Davison Jr., with whom he talked at length about
his health problem. The prescription that the elder doctor gave Scott for his condition did
not seem to alleviate his problem. However, Scott continued to exercise in hopes of
helping his physical condition, which he did not allow to hinder his activities.

|Prior to Scott's leaving Quincy he made a month-long trip through Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee to observe the plantations of these Southern states.
Scott was entertained by friends at the time of his departure to Tallahassee, Florida, and
records in his diary "I feel very sorry to leave all these people. They have been so kind
to me." 5

Soon after Scott's arrival in Tallahassee, he began purchasing land for his plantation, and over
a period of approximately 10 years, he bought more than 1,408 acres of land, a very large
estate. 6 This property adjoined the present day Agricultural and Mechanical College. 7
A section of this property was called "Scott's Ditch," where Scott experimented in the uses
of various fertilizers in the cultivation of his crops. In one year Scott harvested 200 bales of
cotton. He also had a successful mercantile business in Tallahassee. ~

After having settled in Tallahassee on his plantation, Scott, apparently having regained his
health, returned in 1 854 to Pennsylvania to Bucher's Mill near Chambersburg to claim as his
bride, Rebekah Poole Bucher, his childhood sweetheart. Over the ensuing years, one son,
George Bucher, and tour daughters, Annie, Mary ("Mamie"), Nellie and Bessie, were born to
Scott and his wife. 7 While the children were still young, Rebekah took all of them for a
family visit back to her home in Pennsylvania. Scott, in Tallahassee, having received an
unfavorable report from Rebekah concerning the children's behavior, wrote to his wife:

I am very sorry to learn that the children are not good and give you so much trouble
... 1 am afraid they have been indulged so much that it will be hard to get them into
proper habits again. I hope you may be given strength to keep our little ones in the
way they should go .... I am getting very anxious to see you, my dear little wife, and
long to be with you and the dear children. 1 am so lonely without you. 8

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Scott, although having been born in a
Northern state, determined to "cast his lot" in active support of the South, because he
felt that the cause of the Southern states was right. However, it was understood that
Northerners living in the South were not required to take up arms against either side. 7

Scott undoubtedly had managed successfully the operation of his large plantation
with the assistance of hired workmen until the onset of the Civil War. However,
family records indicate that on October 17, 1862, Scott bought eight slaves in
Tallahassee for the sum of $500. Records also indicate that on December 30, 1862,
for $1,000, Scott purchased two more slaves to help with the plantation work while
he was serving in the Civil War. 9

As a colonel in the
calvary of the Confed-
erate Army, Scott's
responsibility was to
keep the Federal
forces from advancing
deeper into middle
Florida. Typically,
Scott was outnum-
bered by these forces.
In a letter to Rebekah
he described his
cavalry's effort to
advance to
Middleburg, Florida:
"It rained on us every
day as we were
marching through
water at least one
third of the way and
had several creeks to
cross where our horses

;-!---

CONFEDERATE STATESAMERICA.

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Col. Scott saved the money paid to h
by the Confederate Army in his last six
months as an officer.

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PEOPLES TICKET.

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nufamta toe brongh, for>,rd ,. d,er. emd.dae

COL. GEO. W. SCOTT.

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JAMES^HALL.

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H0X. JOHN FRIEND.

p^Tto non . 1" o^rhT*c^i.**

h.gbm.nded wd erieemed Coloml Ciohce W.

Importance of the Elation.

^5i;sS5f2

uibmined 10 rhe people of Florida

We. ihe Conierv>toei-He. ihe re-u people of ihe

Ja,,, t , 1 ,l,hePe J l.,,l.on,n,a.,one,.^.p.o

Judge, ol die Supreme Court and ito ihe .enure of

ihoropghlv .,vo.c eould do. b, lighun, tor ihe

rSo Th^^enor^rr^^T^o'ooorS^

Cy Remember, itol mo bailoi boxo are ,o be

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John Scott dies at the age of 66.

Col. Scott's home

ah Bucher Scott, survived her
band by many years, shown

Now a family heirloom worn today by
great-great grandson and trustee of
Agnes Scott College, lames Phillips Noble Jr.,
these cufflinks were treasured by Col. Scott.

had to swim. Of course, we were wet all the time, I have the rheumatism terribly and had to
be lifted on my horse, but I stick it out though I suffer greatly." I0

After the Confederate victory in the hard-fought battle of Olustee to which Scott's cavalry
contributed, the carnage was great. Scott became concerned for his family's safety as he
realized the strength of the Federal forces. Scott wrote to Rebekah giving her detailed
instructions as to how she should prepare herself and the household for a 100-mile flight
into Georgia, should it be necessary. ' ' However, Rebekah remained on the plantation in
^pite of the danger from the Federal troops, and she managed the plantation until Scott
returned

s the Federal troops advanced, Scott helped choose the site for the Battle of Natural
ridge, which was in defense of Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. Scott's battalion was in
the thick of the battle in which Confederate forces, the militia and the volunteers turned
back a threatened assault. Scott became a hero, and on returning to Tallahassee, he was
presented with a horse by a prominent Leon County planter ' ' Professor of history at
Western Kentucky University Marion Lucas wrote of the historical battle, "It appeared that
| it was mainly owing to the energetic and stubborn resistance of Colonel G. W Scott with
his small cavalry that the victory was won." '-

When the Civil War ended in 1865, apparently Scott intended to continue the plantation life
in Tallahassee, for during 1865 and 1866 he purchased 440 additional acres to add to his
already large plantation. " While still in Florida in 1868, Scott ran on the Democratic ticket
for Governor of Florida. He received an overwhelming vote for the position, but was imme-
diately ruled out by the carpetbagger regime then in power in Florida. Scott had not wanted
|o be a candidate and was relieved at the solution l3 As the plantation life began to diminish
in the South, the Scott household moved in 1870 to Savannah, Georgia, where Scott was
engaged in a very successful cotton factory and commission business called Kirksey and Scott.
In this business Scott made a large fortune. The business soon failed, however, and he became
bankrupt because of the dishonesty of his partner, who confiscated the company's assets in
this business venture ' ' & 4

The Scott family moved to Decatur, Georgia, in 1877 with a small sum of money advanced by
friends and business associates in Savannah who had confidence in Scott's integrity and

ability. They believed he would succeed again as he had in the past. 3 Over a period of
time, without condemning his partner in business for the bankruptcy and without any
help from this man, Scott was able to pay back on his own, with interest, the investors
in the Kirksey and Scott Company. 4

No doubt this was an extremely difficult time for Scott, and to add to his pain, his
brother Alfred Scott, who had also fought in the Civil War, died of yellow fever while

living in Savannah. Perhaps the yellow fever epidemic in Savannah added to the Scott
family's decision to leave Savannah in 1877 and move to Decatur. 4

At the time of the departure, the family was still in financial difficulty. Scott, in order to
support his family, went through the nearby farms in Decatur threshing wheat for the farmers.
Rebekah operated a boarding house in Decatur to help supplement the family's income. 4

Not long after the Scott family's move, Scott began to reap abundant wealth through his
varied and very prosperous business enterprises. While on the plantation in Tallahassee, Scott
had experimented successfully with the making of fertilizer from crushed phosphate rock, j
Having previously purchased land around Peace River near Tampa, and with the help of
scientists, Scott's land began to yield very large beds of phosphate rock from which fertilizer*
was made. Scott, having already established the George W. Scott Phosphate and Fertilizer
Company in Atlanta, was able to add tremendously to his own production of fertilizer
through his discovery of phosphate on his Florida coastal lands. The Atlanta Constitution
commented on Scott and his discovery: "Truly he has been a benefactor to both Georgia and 1
Florida. His prosperity [the phosphate discovery] has come legitimately, and in being blessed
himself, he has aided in helping others. In Atlanta and vicinity there is no man who enjoys to
a greater extent the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens." I4 What an enormous blessing
the fertilizer business proved to be for one who had so recently and undeservedly been forced
into bankruptcy!

A while after the sale
of the fertilizer plant,
another of Scott's
successful ventures
was the building of
the Century Building
in Atlanta, an office
rental building today
often referred to as
the Flat Iron Building
because of its shape.
This profitable
enterprise was part of
Scott's successful
investment in
valuable real estate
around Atlanta and
Decatur 4 In 1903
the Scottdale Textile

1856-1929

3.35 million Irish immigrants arrive
in North America.

1861-1865

In the United States, the Civil War
breaks out, temporarily dividing
the Scott family.

1865-1877

in the United States during the
Reconstruction Era, Southerners
attempt to rebuild their society.

& '

1870

In Ireland, the Home Rule
movement is founded.

1877

Agnes Irvine Scott dies in
October. She is buried in
Alexandria. Col. George
Washington Scott moves from
Florida to Decatur, Georgia.

I

Col. George Washington

'ii the
right right and a wide
assorh hildren,
grandchildren and great-
grandchildren

10

he graves of Stott and his wile,

"metery

Mill was built and operated by Scott in Scottdale, Georgia. This successful venture proved to
be beneficial to the Scott family in succeeding generations. 4

From Scott's real estate investment in Decatur, he gave the land on Sycamore
Street near his own home for the erection of the Decatur Presbyterian Church and
the church manse. In this church, Scott served as a ruling elder for many years.

Another real estate venture of Scott's, which proved to be very enjoyable and
beneficial for his entire family, was the building of Gulf Haven, the large and
beautiful home located on the gulf of Clearwater, Florida. 4 Perhaps Scott and
Rebekah's personal happiness reached its zenith as they both, in their later years,
were able to observe the extended family's enjoyment of being together at lovely
Gulf Haven.

Scott's greatest contribution and achievement began in 1889 with the founding of
Agnes Scott College in Decatur, a college he named in memory and in honor of his
mother, Agnes Irvine Scott. Agnes Scott College had its early beginning as
Decatur Female Seminary. Scott subscribed 40 percent of the stock investment of $5,000,
which was to pay the expenses of the first school year. ' 5 After traveling extensively through
the eastern United States to see the various educational buildings, Scott planned and paid for
the erection of the first building, Agnes Scott Hall (now popularly called Main), at a cost of
$1 1 2,500. At the time of the erection of Agnes Scott Hall, it was the best educational building
existing m Georgia It was thoroughly furnished to meet the needs of the students.

Scott paid the deficit of the school from 1 889 until his death in 1903. Also, Scott helped to
formulate the Agnes Scott Ideal in the school's early years, and he also joined in The Agnes
Scott Prayer Covenant, which was started in 1897. These two documents represent Scott as a
Christian at his best. I3

Dr. Frank H. Gaines, the first president of Agnes Scott College, writes of Scott's comment to
him concerning prospective students: "I don't want any girl in Decatur, Georgia, who is
qualified to study in our school to be turned away on account of lack of money. Take those
students who are worthy and charge the bill to me." I3

Scott gave to Agnes Scott a total of $175,000. The full effect of his gift to the school was
[great according to Gaines. "But he did much more than give his money. He gave himself, his
prayers, his interest, his counsel and his constant support He was a tower of strength to the
president. With all his power, influence and ability, he stood squarely behind the school ....
Truly Col. Scott's leadership, support and generosity made Agnes Scott College possible." 15

Scott's health began to decline in the early 1900s. He spent some time at a health resort at
11

Lake Toxaway in North Carolina. Later, Scott was taken to the Elkin-Cooper Sanitarium in
Atlanta, where he could be cared for by his relative, Dr. Hunter Cooper. As his condition
grew worse, Scott was moved to a hospital in Atlanta, where he died on October 3, 1903, at
the age of 74. 4

At the close of such a worthy life as that of Col. George Washington Scott, these words of his
close friend, Gaines, seem appropriate: "Col. Scott was easily the first citizen of Decatur, and
no man stood higher in Atlanta or in the State (of Georgia) than he. He was a man of rare
ability, of the highest Christian character, of excellent judgment, of broad vision, of great
generosity and withal modest and quiet. All these things made him a leader. All honor to this
noble, far-seeing, able, Christian gentleman!" I5

Author's Notes

Sources for The Story of George Washington Scott

(1) Scott family visit to Alexandria, Pennsylvania, 1983, 1989

(2) Harshbarger, Jean Phillips, "Early History of Scott Family," Alexandria, Pennsylvania

(3) Alston, Wallace M., "The Significance of the Life of George Washington Scott," booklet

(4) Oral history of Scott family

(5) Scott, George Washington, "Diary," Oct. 4, 1850-
Feb. 20, 1851

(6) Records of Deeds, Leon County Court House,
Tallahassee, Florida (date: Jan. 1, 1856 to Oct. 2, 1866)

(7) Written family history. Tallahassee, Florida, 1851-1870

(8) Scott, George Washington, letter to Rebekah Bucher
Scott, May 7, 1866

(9) Receipts of Sale in Tallahassee, Florida, Oct. 17, 1862
and Dec. 30, 1862

(10) Scott, George Washington, letter to Rebekah Bucher
Scott, Camp Jackson, Florida, Aug. 14, 1864

(11) Paisley, Clifton, edited, "How to Escape the Yankees,"
Major Scott's letter to Rebekah Bucher Scott, Tallahassee,
Florida, March 1864

(12) Lucas, Marion, "The Civil War Career of Colonel
George Washington Scott," Professor of History, Western
Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky

(13) McCain, Dr. James Ross, Colonel George W. Scott
speech, Oct. 12, 1952

(14) The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, "Money in
Phosphate" (no date)

(15) Gaines, Dr. Frank H., "The Story of Agnes Scott
College" (1889-1912)

In Britain, Gladstone's second
attempt to pass a Home Rule bill
for Ireland passes in the House of
Commons but fails in the House of
Lords. The stage is set for another
era of rebellion in Ireland.

Colonel George Washington Scott
dies. He is buried in Decatur.

Agnes Scott Institute renamed
Agnes Scott College.

The extended family of Col. George Washi
Pennsylvania in 1989 to place a centennial mark*

mWf

Agnes Scott College

When a small group of Decatur's Presbyterian leaders founded Agnes Scott College in 1889,
they set out to create a college with "a liberal curriculum fully abreast of the best institu-
tions of this country." The school opened its doors in a rented house with slightly more
than $5,000 capital There were four teachers educating 63 students at the grammar school level.

Col. George Washington Scott, who had provided forty percent of the initial capital, saw the
school's continued need and offered the largest gift to education in Georgia up to that time to
provide a home for the school. To recognize this gift, the Board of Trustees renamed the school in
honor of Col. Scott's mother, Agnes Irvine Scott, whom he credited "for all the good impulses of
[his] heart and for all [his] hopes for the future."

The quest for the highest academic standards envisioned by the founders was quickly realized, and
Agnes Scott's reputation in the broader academic community grew stronger with each year. Within
ten years, the school gained accreditation as a secondary school. In 1906, it was chartered Agnes
Scott College and awarded its first degrees. Agnes Scott was the first college in Georgia to receive
regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1907) and in 1920
earned the approval of the Association of American Universities. The United Chapters of Phi Beta
Kappa granted the College its charter the second in Georgia in 1 926. Agnes Scott is a charter
member of both the American Association of University NX/omen and the Southern University
Conference

Agnes Scott's alumnae have gone on to make history in their own ways. They include Georgia's first
female Rhodes Scholar, a South Carolina state supreme court justice, the first woman to be ordained
a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), a Poet Laureate of Alabama, and the first woman to
chair the Federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

(ft

AMZ

. V.

Scott Family Members
of the Agnes Scott College
Board of Trustees
(1889-2002)

George Washington Scott (18891903)

Charles Murphey Candler (1889-1935)

George Buchei Scott (18961920)

Milton A. Candler (1896-1909)

lames Indus Scott (1920-1976)

Bessie Scott Harmon, Institute (1917-1937)

Scott Candler (1924 1972)
Allie Candler Guy '13 (1929-1930)
Hansford Sams )r. (1970-1984)
George Scott Candler |r (1972-1992)
Betty Pope Scott Noble '44 (1984 1994)
lames Wallace Daniel (1992-present)
Clark E. Candler (1992-present)
lames Phillips Noble |r. (2001 present)

Scott family members gather on June 13, 1999 for the 200th anniversary of the birthday of
Agnes Irvine Scott (in portrait at far right), mother of George Washington Scott and namesake
of Agnes Scott College.

BACK ROW:

(left to right)
James Wallace Daniel
Adelaide Sams Propst
David Wilkinson
Clark E. Candler Jr.
James Phillips Noble Jr.
Hansford Sams Jr.
Nancy Scott
David Scott
Scott Ward
Henderson Ward
Amy Gough
Mark McLeod
B.J. Candler

MIDDLE ROW:

(left to right)
Agnes Milton Scott
Betty Sams Daniel
Betty Scott Noble
Terry Candler
Lisa Ward
Rebekah Candler Ward

FRONT ROW:

(left to right)
Milton Candler Scott
(deceased August 2001)
Betty Pope Scott Noble '44

15

The Author

James Phillips Noble |r., who is a

political consultant from Charleston,

South Carolina, is the author's son

and a great-great grandson of

ott and presently serves

on the Agnes Scott College

Board of Tru'

The author, Betty Pope Scott Noble '44, is pictured

next to a portrait of her great-grandfather,

George Washington Scott.

r

In 1999 she wrote, "The Story oj Agnes Irvine Scott,
1799- 1877" a memoir of the person for whom
Agnes Scott College is nn

Betty Scott Noble, right at age four, the author's

daughter and great-great granddaughter of

Col. George Washington Scott, stands before his

home, Gulf Haven. Betty, left, now with a Ph.D. in

psychology, enjoys her private practice and

teaching at Agnes Scott College.

The Scott Tartans

There is no clearer symbol of Scottish identity than
that of the tartan. The popularity of tartan fabric
guarantees its use in a variety of applications, but,
appealing as it may be, over centuries its underlying
significance is to indicate clan or family allegiance.

-

?,!

All four of the Scott family tartans are shown in this
book. The tartan on the far right, on the front cover,
is the Scott Red tartan. Scott Red and the Scott Green
tartan (shown on this page, far left) are the modern
tartans whose strong, vivid colors are made possible
by today's chemical dyes. The other Scott family
tartans are the Scott Green W, or weathered, (in
center) and the Scott Green A, or ancient, tartans
(at right on this page). These ancient colors duplicate
the shades produced by weavers when dyes were
exclusively made from vegetables, herbs and berries.
Weathered and ancient, or muted, colors approximate
the appearance of tartan cloth dyed with the organic
dyes and faded by years of Highland weather.

. ', ;

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Acnes Scott College

KM

Copyright 2002
Agnes Scott College

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