MCALISTER, SCOTT. - Some men, through a pleasing personality, strict integrity and industrious habits, are able to forge to the front, in spite of early disadvantages, and at the same time make and retain friends. This is true in the case of Scott McCalister, of Springfield, one of the most popular men of the city. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 20, 1870, a son of James and Mary (Ross) McCalister, natives of Ohio and Sangamon County, Ill., respectively. The father has now retired from agricultural life, and is living with his wife at Mechanicsburg, Ill. He is a Republican, whose duty as a citizen has been confined to private life. His religious affiliations are with the Baptist Church, of which he is a consistent member.

Scott McCalister went to the district school near Mechanicsburg, leaving when sixteen years old to farm for five years. Following this he was a miner in the Springfield coal mines, until January 13, 1910, when he embarked in his present enterprise, which he has already put into an excellent condition. This business is not his only investment, for he owns considerable city realty, and has great faith that it will rapidly increase in value. He is a Republican and liberal in his religious views.

On May 20, 1896, Mr. McCalister was united in marriage with Minnie Ross, born in Sangamon County, Ill., daughter of Isaac and Minnie (Stogdall) Ross, the former of whom lives in Chicago, but the mother died in 1890. Mrs. McCalister was one of a family of two sons and one daughter, all of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. McCalister have two children, Mabel and James, both of whom are attending school, and are bright young people.