Rushden Research Group: Scott Family

Scott Family

John T Scott

The biography of Rushden’s oldest bell-ringer starts at Wollaston. He left Wollaston when he was two and went to Pytchley. It was there that he first became interested in the Church – he took his place in the ranks of the choirboys.

Eleven-year-old John Scott moved to Rushden, attended the National School for three years, then went to Bozeat as a “pupil” teacher.

John T Scott, son of John and Susan, married Louisa Sargent, daughter of William and Elizabeth, in 1884.

Their daughter Frances M was born in 1887. A son John G was born in 1890, followed by Hilda in 1892, Doris E in 1896, and Percy in 1898.

John died in 1949 aged 90.

Frances M Scott - known as 'Pol'

Frances M Scott (known as Pol) was a pupil teacher in 1901. She taught at Higham Ferrers for the next 30 years, as she was appointed as an Uncertified Teacher at South End School in August 1934.

Frances may have returned to Rushden to care for her ailing mother as in June 1935 her mother Louisa died.

In 1936 Frances took charge of Class 3 and taught 46 children. She did not enjoy good health, as the Log Book records many days off during the following years.

Her pupils thought she was very strict! She was also recorded in the Log Books as going to Newton Road School as an invigilator.

Her father, a noted member of St Mary's Church, died in 1949 aged 90.

After teaching for 50 years 'Pol' Scott retired in 1953.