George Cromwell Scott

Who was George Cromwell Scott?

George Cromwell Scott was a Republican U.S. Representative from Iowa's 11th congressional district for just over four years, and was a federal district court judge for over twenty-one years.

Born near East Kendall, Monroe County, New York, Scott's mother died when he was two years old, and his father died when he was five. After being raised by his uncle, Scott moved to Iowa in 1880, when he was sixteen, to live with other relatives. He attended the country schools and the high school at Dallas Center, Iowa. He taught school while studying the equivalent of a full college courseload under the tutilege of his wife, Laura. After studying law while working for a law firm in Adel, Iowa, he was admitted to the bar in 1887 and commenced practice in Le Mars, Iowa, in 1888. He moved to Sioux City, Iowa in 1901 and continued the practice of law.

In January 1912, Scott announced his candidacy for the U.S. House seat in Iowa's 11th congressional district, which was then held by fellow Republican Elbert H. Hubbard. Hubbard defeated Scott in the June 3 primary, but died the following day. A nominating convention in July 1912 gave Scott the nomination over state senator L.E. Francis. Upon defeating Democratic and Bull Moose Party challengers in the general election, Scott was immediately sworn to fill the remainder of Hubbard's term in the Sixty-second Congress. Scott then served another full term in the Sixty-third Congress.