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Alexander Dill Scott (1860-1945)

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Dated 1945
Alexander D. Scott, Pioneer Businessman Of Novato Claimed By Death

After an illness of five months, death came this morning at 4 o'clock to Alexander D. Scott, pioneer resident of Novato, who had been active in the business life of that town since 1884.  His life history is a record of untiring activity and he attained his success, by devoting himself to his work.  Scott was born in Nova Scotia, a son of the late, David and Jane Scott, on January 23, 1860, so he would have been 85 years of age on the 23rd of this month.  He was educated, in the public schools in his home neighborhood and took a course in a business college.  In 1882 he came to California, locating in Humboldt county, where he remained for two years.

He had started to write the story of his life in Novato but death prevented him from finishing it.  Quoting from Scott's record: "I came to Novato May 1, 1884, and went to work for McDonald brothers store in old town. It was just across the road where the Baccaglio home is now, but after a few months McDonald closed the place of business and I went to work for them in their main store, which was located about where the Sutton girls now live.  Senator Frank Long owned 1,200 [12,000 ?] acres of land which included all of Black Point and pretty nearly all of Novato, so he formed a company and sold about 6,000 acres, then agents for the selling of the land were on hand, and induced me to move over to what is now Novato.  The name of the postoffice was Black Point, and after I moved my store which I had bought from the McDonalds, I made application to the government to have the name changed, to Novato, which was done without question.  I was postmaster at the time, having succeeded J. B. Redmond, and remained postmaster for, 20 years."

Scott conducted a general merchandise store, the first store established in Novato, and continued in business until he retired about three years ago.  Under Scott's management the store enjoyed a splendid record for attractive goods and square dealing.  Scott was also one of the original incorporators of the Bank of Novato in 1913 and served as a member of its board of directors.  A history of his life is given in a volume entitled, "Financing an Empire, History of Banking in California," published in 1927.

Mr.  Scott was married twice, the first marriage to Miss Mattie Benedict, taking place in 1889.  To them were born two children.  Mrs. Scott died in 1893 and in 1895 Scott was united in marriage to Miss Frances Peters, who has also passed away.

He was the father of the late Alger B. Scott and Miss Jessie H. Scott, a retired school teacher, who devoted her entire time to the care of her father during the weeks of illness in his home that preceded his death.  She was assisted by special nurses.  Surviving are three grandchildren, Alger Scott of San Jose; Royal Scott of San Anselmo and Mrs. Harriet Feaver, and a great grandchild, Nancy Feaver.  A brother and a sister, John and Alice Scott, live in Nova Scotia, and two nephews survive, Fred Scott and Chaplain John Scott of the Canadian army [Navy].

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, January 20, at 2:30 o'clock at the Blackburn & Sorensen chapel, 400 Washington street, followed by interment in the family plot in the Novato cemetery.