Charles Shiras Scott, D.D.S.

 


biography

 

 

 Scott, Charles Shiras, D.D.S., a widely-known dentist of Allegheny County, located at 628 Penn Avenue, Pittsburg, has a very large practice in all kinds of dental work. He was born in the neighboring city of Allegheny, July 17, 1843, son of the late Dr. John and Margaret (Sloan) Scott, being a direct descendant of one Hugh Scott, who came to this country from Northern Ireland in 1670. The father, born April 13, 1808, in Washington,Pa., from his early manhood was engaged in the practice of his profession, being the pioneer dentist of Pittsburg, where he opened an office in 1839. From that time until his retirement in 1875 he labored successfully in this city, building up a large and lucrative patronage. He was highly esteemed as a man and a citizen, having spent fourscore years of earthly life in honored usefulness. Of the several children born to him and his wife, five died of scarlet fever within the brief period of twenty-three days. Two of the family are still living, namely: Dr. Charles S., the subject of this sketch; and Alice B., now Mrs. Major Daniel G. Cash, of Duluth, Minn.

Charles S. Scott was educated at Caton's Boarding School and at Western University, being graduated from the latter in 1859. At the breaking out of the late Civil War he responded to the call for volunteers, enlisting in the Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company I, and was mustered into service at Harrisburg, April 25, 1861. After serving a three months' term, chiefly in Maryland, he re-enlisted February 20, 1862, in Company A, Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves. With his regiment he was in the Peninsular Campaign, and he took part in the battle of the Wilderness. Shortly after the latter engagement he was prostrated by typhoid fever, when he was taken to Philadelphia to the hospital. A few weeks later he was sent to Camp Convalescent in Washington, where he spent the winter. In March, 1864, he rejoined his company, and served the remainder of his full three years, receiving his honorable discharge April 20, 1865. In the battle of the Wilderness he received his only wound, which was caused by a shot in the side. Returning from the army to Pittsburg, he was engaged in dentistry with his father for two or more years. In 1867 he went to St. Louis, where he was connected for a like period with a revenue and grand collective agency. He again returned to the city of his birth, and here resumed his professional work, in which he has since established such an enviable reputation for skill and superior workmanship. During the first few years of his professional career Dr. Scott had a serious time in his efforts to secure patients, going from house to house, earning but a precarious living. His skill, however, finally truimphed, and his practice reached such dimensions that his office was a necessity by the time it was opened. Dr. Scott has prepared an unfailing remedy for ulcerated and diseased teeth, thereby preserving instead of extracting them. From prominent dentists in all parts of the country he has received testimonials as to its virtue. An extract from a letter written to him by Dr. C. E. Duck, of 6 West Reed Street, Baltimore, reads as follows: "The preparation you left with me has proved a blessing both to myself and to my patients. I have never failed with it, and it will give me great pleasure to tell my professional friends of its merits. My associate, Dr. Deichman, can and does say full as much in its praise as I do."

On April 26, 1881, Dr. Scott married Mary D. McCloskey, daughter of Manus McCloskey. Their children were: Verne, who died in infancy; John Hull; and Warren Randolph. In politics Dr. Scott is a true Republican. Domestic in his tastes, he prefers home life to club society; but he is a member of General Alexander Hays Post, No. 3, G. A. R.

Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Pittsburg and the vicinity, Pennsylvania. Boston: Biographical Review Pub. Co., 1897, Author: Anonymous, Submitted by C. Anthony.

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