William Scott (June 7, 1804 – 1862) was an American lawyer and judge who served on the Supreme Court of Missouri from 1841 to 1849 and from 1851 to 1862.
Since then not only individuals but States have been possessed with a dark and fell spirit in relation to slavery, whose gratification is sought in the pursuit of measures, whose inevitable consequences must be the overthrow and destruction of our government.
She is willing to assume her full responsibility for the existence of slavery within her limits, nor does she seek to share or divide it with others.
[6]Born in Fauquier County, Virginia, Scott moved to Missouri in 1827 and became a Circuit Attorney, living in Union.
In 1851 Scott was returned to the court after another constitutional amendment made the justices' positions elective, succeeding James Harvey Birch, who declined to run; he was re-elected in 1857.