*****Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. This message must appear on all copied files. Commercial copying must have permission. ***** Submitted by Cindy Bryant N. B. and CAROLINE (BEACH) SCOTT Among the first settlers in the town of Ferris was N. B. Scott, who was born in the town of Cheshire, Berkshire Co., Mass., Sept. 18, 1825. He was the fourth child of Lemuel S. and Nancy (Bowen) Scott. Mr. Scott, Sr., came to Washtenaw Co., Michigan Territory, and bought of the government two hundred and forty acres of land, which he improved, and where he died in his eighty-first year. N. B. grew to manhood in a new country, becoming the kind of man from whose ranks the pioneers of America have ever been recruited. A man inured to toil, and afraid of no living thing, and of iron constitution, he was just the one to lead the van in the onward march of civilization. He was married to Miss Caroline Beach, June 25, 1845. She was born in Marion township, Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 15, 1828; daughter of Sheldon and Mary Ann (Bean) Beach. Mr. Scott made his start working his father's farm on shares. In 1845, Mr. Scott, Sr., divided part of his farm among his children, and with the proceeds of his share N. B. came to Ferris in 1855, and in April bought of the government one hundred and sixty acres of land for seventy-five cents per acre. The old snow was then on the ground fourteen inches deep. Mr. Scott's selection proved a good one, as there can be no better land. The next June he came on with his wife and four children, and until he could build lived in the Ferris shanty. As soon as his house was built, the shanty was deserted and life in the new home commenced. With the help of his boys, Mr. Scott has cleared up ninety acres of land, thus doing his share towards clearing up the town. The first town meeting was held in his house, and he was elected treasurer, which position he held four times; has also been highway commissioner and justice of the peace. He was the first post-master of Ferris, and held the office ten years. He also has been secretary of Ferris Grange, No. 440, three years. On the 28th day of September, 1864, he was enrolled in Company B, Fourteenth Michigan Infantry, and was discharged July 18, 1865. He was attached for a time to the Fourteenth Corps Battalion, and was in the battle of Nashville. Soon after, was sent to his regiment at Goldsboro', N. C., and took part in the capture of Gen. Johnston. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott there have been born the following children,--viz., Fidelia H., Oct. 21, 1847, died June 21, 1867; Orlando F., Feb. 18, 1849; William W., Dec. 24, 1850; Amanda J., Jan 21, 1853; Frank J., Dec. 9, 1856; Mary E., Feb. 6, 1859; and Lydia S., Aug. 6, 1861. And they have an adopted daughter, Caroline, born May 31, 1867. This biography is taken from "HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, MICHIGAN" by John S. Schenck. Philadelphia: D. W. Ensign & Co., 1881. Pages 465-466. Ferris Township.