William Bennett Scott Sr. facts for kids

William Bennett Scott Sr. was an important leader, newspaper owner, and mayor who worked to help people in the 1800s. He was a civil rights champion and helped start the Freedman’s Normal Institute in Maryville, Tennessee. Scott was the first African American to own a newspaper in Tennessee. His newspaper was the only one in Blount County, Tennessee for ten years!

Early Life and Moving to Tennessee

William Bennett Scott Sr. was born in North Carolina. He worked making harnesses and saddles. This was a skilled job that helped people travel and work with horses.

He moved to Tennessee because of growing problems and tensions. These problems happened after a slave rebellion led by Nat Turner. Scott first settled in Friendsville, Tennessee.

As the American Civil War got closer, life became harder for free African Americans. Scott moved to Knoxville to find a safer place.

Starting Newspapers

After the Civil War ended in 1865, Scott moved to Nashville. There, he started a newspaper called the Colored Tennessean. This newspaper was very important. It helped people who had been separated by slavery find their families and loved ones. The paper would print messages from people searching for their relatives.

Scott also attended an important meeting in Nashville in 1865. This meeting was called the Colored Convention. It was a gathering where African American leaders discussed how to improve their communities and gain equal rights.

A few years later, William Bennett Scott Sr. moved to Maryville, Tennessee. In Maryville, he started another newspaper called the Maryville Republican. His son, W. B. Scott Jr., also worked on the paper as an editor.

Mayor of Maryville

In 1869, William Bennett Scott Sr. was elected Mayor of Maryville. This was a very important achievement. It showed his leadership and the trust people had in him.

He is remembered for his work and leadership. He was honored by being added to the Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame. A special historical marker also tells about his life and achievements.

Later Life and Legacy

William Bennett Scott Sr. passed away in 1885. He was buried in the old New Providence Church Cemetery. His headstone has a special message that says: “Respected Black Journalist / Businessman and Mayor of Maryville / Placed in honor of his faithful service to his community.”

His portrait, which is a painting of him, is displayed in the Maryville Municipal Building. In 2013, some of his family members visited Maryville for the unveiling of this portrait.

A historian named Shirley Carr Clowney wrote about William Bennett Scott Sr. in her book. Her book shares the history of African Americans in Blount County.