Fred Willie Scott, son of Thomas and Lena Scott, Humboldt pioneers, was born at Disaster Peak, Oregon, January 6th, 1893. He was reared in Humboldt County, Nevada, from the borders of which he was among the first to leave for service and the first of all to give his life. He was residing with his parents at Platora near Rebel Creek when he was called in the first Humboldt contingent. He left for Camp Lewis on the 19th of September, 1917. All through his army life, Fred showed a determination to do his best for his Country and to defeat its enemies.

In November he wrote from Spokane, Washington, to his mother: “We are a little closer to old Kaiser Bill. Just watch the papers and see how long old Bill lasts after we land.” He was sent east in the same month to Camp Merritt, New Jersey, from which point he wrote home on December 11th: “Just to let you know we are going to sail . . . So I guess we are bound for the Kaiser. . . . We are fixed to meet the Kaiser at any minute.” He was a member of the Headquarters Company, 164th Infantry, 41st Division. But he never had an opportunity to sail with his comrades. He contracted pneumonia at Hoffman Island, New York, and died of the disease on the 8th of January, 1918. His remains were returned to Winnemucca in Humboldt County, and buried there on the 21st day of January with impressive military services. Justice E. A. Ducker of the Supreme Court and Adjutant-General Maurice J. Sullivan delivered addresses at the bier. The High School Cadets of Winnemucca furnished a military escort.

Three sons of Thomas and Lena Scott served in the army of the United States: Robert Edward Scott, Harry Henry Scott and Fred Willie Scott. In the midst of their grief the patriotic American parents find solace in the knowledge that the boy who is gone did not go in vain, but that his name will live forever in the hearts of his countrymen.