William Bennett Scott Sr. (died 1885) was a pioneering newspaper founder and publisher, mayor, and civil rights campaigner who helped found Freedman’s Normal Institute in Maryville, Tennessee.
As increased tensions followed Nat Turner's Rebellion, he left North Carolina and moved to Tennessee, settling in Friendsville, Tennessee and continuing his work in the harness and saddle making business.
[1][3][4] The paper ran notices from people searching for family and loved ones separated by slavery.
[11] He was inducted into the Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame and a historical marker commemorates his life.
His headstone states: “Respected Black Journalist / Businessman and Mayor of Maryville / Placed in honor of his faithful service to his community.” A historical marker commemorates his life and his portrait is displayed in the Maryville Municipal Building.