Today in Wheeling History: July 25--Reverend John Work Scott, former principal of Wheeling's Linsly Institute and prominent educator and Presbyterian minister, died unexpectedly in Ridgeway, North Carolina (1879).
John Work Scott (1807-1879) was a prominent Presbyterian minister and educator who left a significant mark on several academic institutions in the 19th century. Born in York County, Pennsylvania, Scott received his early education at Lower West Nottingham Academy and Slate Ridge Academy before graduating from Jefferson College in 1827.
After graduation, Scott spent three years teaching at various schools in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1830, he entered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he studied for two years while also teaching at Edgehill Seminary. Licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle in 1832, Scott briefly served as a pastor in Poland, Ohio, and later as a stated supply in Steubenville, Ohio.
However, Scott's true calling was in education. In 1836, he founded Grove Academy in Steubenville, Ohio, serving as its principal until 1847. He then became principal of the Lindsley Institute in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia) until 1853. His most notable position came in 1853 when he was elected president of Washington College in Pennsylvania, a role he held until 1865.
After leaving Washington College, Scott continued his educational career, serving as principal of Woodburn Female Seminary and Monongalia Academy in Morgantown, West Virginia. In 1867, he joined the faculty of West Virginia Agricultural College (now West Virginia University), initially as a professor of Ancient Languages and Literature. He later became Vice President and professor of Mental and Moral Science, even serving as acting president from 1876 to 1877.
Scott was known for his comprehensive knowledge, practical ideas, and wise counsel. He was considered one of the most learned men in West Virginia during his time there. His teaching style was notable for its humor and use of anecdotes, making him popular among students.
In 1877, Scott had to resign from West Virginia University due to failing eyesight caused by cataracts. However, after successful eye surgery, he briefly joined the faculty of Biddle University (now Johnson C. Smith University) in North Carolina in 1879. Unfortunately, he died shortly after, on July 25, 1879, apparently from a heart attack during a vacation.
Throughout his career, Scott received several honors, including a Doctor of Divinity from Washington College in 1852 and an LL.D. from Washington and Jefferson College in 1865. He was married to Phoebe Anna Jenkins, who predeceased him in 1872, and they had six children.
Scott's legacy is one of dedication to education and scholarship. His varied roles at multiple institutions across several states demonstrate his adaptability and the high regard in which he was held in academic circles. His life serves as an example of the significant impact educators could have on the development of higher education in 19th century America.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/VJDaD) (https://shorturl.at/Nogmm) (https://shorturl.at/K2OFP) (https://shorturl.at/znexg) (https://tinyurl.com/39bcy2uz) (https://shorturl.at/Dfysq) (https://tinyurl.com/5ja83jhz) (https://tinyurl.com/yu27uyp6)
Photo credits: Jefferson College Historical Society, Washington &d Jefferson College, West Virginia & Regional History Center, U.S. Government Printing Office, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Wikimedia Commons
John Work Scott (1807-1879) was a prominent Presbyterian minister and educator who left a significant mark on several academic institutions in the 19th century. Born in York County, Pennsylvania, Scott received his early education at Lower West Nottingham Academy and Slate Ridge Academy before graduating from Jefferson College in 1827.
After graduation, Scott spent three years teaching at various schools in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1830, he entered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he studied for two years while also teaching at Edgehill Seminary. Licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle in 1832, Scott briefly served as a pastor in Poland, Ohio, and later as a stated supply in Steubenville, Ohio.
However, Scott's true calling was in education. In 1836, he founded Grove Academy in Steubenville, Ohio, serving as its principal until 1847. He then became principal of the Lindsley Institute in Wheeling, Virginia (now West Virginia) until 1853. His most notable position came in 1853 when he was elected president of Washington College in Pennsylvania, a role he held until 1865.
After leaving Washington College, Scott continued his educational career, serving as principal of Woodburn Female Seminary and Monongalia Academy in Morgantown, West Virginia. In 1867, he joined the faculty of West Virginia Agricultural College (now West Virginia University), initially as a professor of Ancient Languages and Literature. He later became Vice President and professor of Mental and Moral Science, even serving as acting president from 1876 to 1877.
Scott was known for his comprehensive knowledge, practical ideas, and wise counsel. He was considered one of the most learned men in West Virginia during his time there. His teaching style was notable for its humor and use of anecdotes, making him popular among students.
In 1877, Scott had to resign from West Virginia University due to failing eyesight caused by cataracts. However, after successful eye surgery, he briefly joined the faculty of Biddle University (now Johnson C. Smith University) in North Carolina in 1879. Unfortunately, he died shortly after, on July 25, 1879, apparently from a heart attack during a vacation.
Throughout his career, Scott received several honors, including a Doctor of Divinity from Washington College in 1852 and an LL.D. from Washington and Jefferson College in 1865. He was married to Phoebe Anna Jenkins, who predeceased him in 1872, and they had six children.
Scott's legacy is one of dedication to education and scholarship. His varied roles at multiple institutions across several states demonstrate his adaptability and the high regard in which he was held in academic circles. His life serves as an example of the significant impact educators could have on the development of higher education in 19th century America.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/VJDaD) (https://shorturl.at/Nogmm) (https://shorturl.at/K2OFP) (https://shorturl.at/znexg) (https://tinyurl.com/39bcy2uz) (https://shorturl.at/Dfysq) (https://tinyurl.com/5ja83jhz) (https://tinyurl.com/yu27uyp6)
Photo credits: Jefferson College Historical Society, Washington &d Jefferson College, West Virginia & Regional History Center, U.S. Government Printing Office, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Wikimedia Commons
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