The Life and Legacy of Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr.

Early Life and Background

Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr. was born in Heiberger, Perry County, Alabama, on August 24, 1899. He was the son of Jefferson Franklin Scott and Cora McLaughlin Scott. He grew up in a little town in the American South in the early 1900s, when there were a lot of problems and racial tensions.

Career and Community Role

Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr. did a lot of different things throughout his life that helped his community in many ways. He had a lot of different jobs, such as being a police officer, barber, cab and lumber truck driver, and business owner. He ran a timber mill and a local store. He was one of the first Black individuals in his area to buy a car. Scott’s companies weren’t without problems. When he refused to sell his mill to a white logger, someone set fire to his land because of his race. He was still a strong support for his community, even though he had to go through a lot.

Business Ventures and Financial Status

There are no official records of Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr.’s net worth, however it wasn’t very high. But we do know that his property included his car(s), the general store and the timber mill. These commercial initiatives brought quite a small amount of money, especially considering how big they were in a rural area. He was also well-respected in the community, especially because he was a leader in the church.

Family and Legacy

On December 29, 1921, Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr. married Bernice McMurray. They had a few kids together, the most famous of whom being Coretta Scott King, who was a well-known civil rights advocate and the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Eunice Scott, Edythe Rose Scott (later Bagley), and Rev. Obadiah Leonard Scott Jr. were their other kids.

The King Centre in Atlanta keeps Coretta Scott King’s history as a civil rights fighter alive. Her children, Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter, and Bernice King, all continue the family’s influence.

Key Family Members

• Coretta Scott King (1927–2006) – Civil rights leader and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Rev. Obadiah Leonard Scott Jr. (1930–2012) – A minister who served in the Marion-Greensboro area of Alabama.

Timeline of Major Life Events

Noteworthy Contributions

People knew Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr. because he was a leader at the Mt. Tabor AME Zion Church. His wife, Bernice, was a musician and school bus driver who helped the church community. The Scott family’s heritage includes both religious service and civil rights advocacy, especially via the important work of Coretta Scott King.

FAQ

What roles did Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr. hold in his community?

Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr. worked as a policeman, barber, taxi and timber transporter, and business owner. He also played an active role in his church.

How did Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr. contribute to his community?

He was one of the first Black people in his town to own a vehicle and faced racial adversity while running his own general store and lumber mill.

What was Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr.’s financial situation?

Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr.’s financial status was modest, with his assets primarily consisting of his businesses and vehicles.

What is the significance of Coretta Scott King in Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr.’s life?

Coretta Scott King, his daughter, became a key figure in the civil rights movement, married to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was instrumental in continuing the fight for equality and justice.

Who were Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr.’s children?

His children included Eunice Scott, Edythe Rose Scott (later Bagley), Coretta Scott King, and Rev. Obadiah Leonard Scott Jr.

What was the impact of Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr.’s legacy?

Obadiah Leonard Scott Sr.’s legacy lives on via the work he did for his neighbourhood, his participation in the church, and the work his daughter, Coretta Scott King, continues to do for civil rights.