John E. Scott, retired farmer, resided at Como, has lived in Hopkins Township since his boyhood, having come to "Whiteside County in 1839 with his parents. Jesse Scott, his father, was fitted by nature and habit for a pioneer. Energetic, persistent, sagacious and intrepid, he found himself cramped for opporunity and he decided to transfer his relations to Illinois, flowery tales of whose prairies and agricultural promise had filled the East. In March, 1839, he set out on a boat which was propelled by horse power, and on which he traveled to his point of destination on the Ohio, Mississippi and Rock Rivers. The unique craft was of 100 tons burden, and on it he constructed a shelter for his family and household goods. He landed June 1, 1839 at Como, where he fixed his location and resided during the remainder of his life. He was a man of most genial character, and through the 40 years of his life in Hopkins Township he was held in general esteem. No other instance is on record of a boat being propelled against the strong current of the Mississippi River by horse power, and it was an object of great interest when plying on the rivers on the trading expeditions, of which its owner made severa1. Mr. Scott died March 13, 1879.

His marriage to Annah D. Sherman took place Jan. 1, 1815, and they had 13 children. Mrs. Scott was born in Ohio and was kin to the family from which the distinguished General and Senator Sherman descended. Jesse Scott was born July 24, 1790 in Luzerne Co., Pa. He was 12 years of age when his father went to Morgan Co., Ohio, and he lived there until his removal to Illinois, as stated. He was nearly 89 years old at the time of his death.

His son who is the subject of this personal relation, was born May 26, 1828, in Morgan Co., Ohio, and is the eighth child of his parents. The entire number lived to mature life and were born in the following order: Asa, Jane D., Josiah S., David, Hiram B., Adrial, Joel S., John E., Mary E, Maria A., Caroline A., Annis E. and Emmeline.

Mr. Scott received a common-school education and led an active life in Hopkins Townsllip until 1882, when he rented his farm and removed to Como. He is the proprietor of 197 acres of land on section 15.

His marriage to Mary J. Shereer occurred Nov. 4, 1852, in Hopkins Township. She is the daughter of John E. and Mary M. (Cochrane) Shereer, and her parents were born in Scotland. They emigrated in early life to Canada, where they were married. They came thence to Will Co., Ill., where they resided until they died. Mrs. Scott is their only child, and she was born in Kingston, Ont., Oct. 26, 1832. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Scott are five in number,­ Annis C., Annah A. and Ann E. (twins), Amy A. and Oscar H. In political opinion and acts, Mr. Scott affiliates with the Republican party.

Portraits & Biographical Pg 786