Scott Winfield Bond was a successful African American entrepreneur and farmer from Madison, Arkansas, who became one of the wealthiest men in the state. He was a large landowner, successful farmer, and shrewd businessman. Bond was also known throughout the United States and invited to speak at many conferences and symposiums. His name was always mentioned with other prominent African American leaders of his time including Booker T. Washington and E.C. Morris. A book about his life was even published in 1917 titled, "From Slavery to Wealth: The Life of Scott Bond."
Scott Bond was born into slavery around 1852 in Mississippi and moved to Arkansas shortly before the Civil War with his mother and step father. After losing his mother, he lived with his stepfather, William Bond, in St. Francis County until about 1875. At the age of 22, Bond rented a farm that quickly grew through his hard work. In 1877, the energetic farmer he married Magnolia Nash of Forrest City. They would have a large family and many of these children would work with their father. It seemed his family and holdings grew at the same time. By 1915, he was farming 5,000 acres. He had also diversified and owned a mercantile establishment, sawmill, cotton gin, gravel pit and other real estate holdings. His family farm was referred to as "The Cedars."
The Bond family of Madison started with a meager beginning and their first home was a primitive log cabin. From there, the couple worked together in every endeavor, while saving and investing when possible. He actually credited his wife with their success. In 1898, the family established a mercantile enterprise known as Scott Bond & Sons. This business offered a complete line of dry goods, groceries and farming implements. The town of Madison is located on the banks of the St. Francis River and at the edge of Crowley's Ridge. Because of that, Mr. Bond built his home upon the bluff. It was near the present day cemetery, where he is buried. A 1910 newspaper article described this store along with his home:
" His new store is a solid concrete structure, two stories and a basement, as handsome as one would find anywhere. It is 110 by 30 feet, and is filled with as fine a stock of goods as will be found in any store in any city in the country. He does an enormous business, and has the respect of all who know him, both black and white. His residence on the hill is a frame structure, tastefully furnished, surrounded by a large concrete wall, with the monogram "S.B." on many of the blocks. He has his chickens, cattle, sheep and other livestock and is today an example of what attention to business will do."
In addition to business interests, Scott Bond belonged to several organizations. He was president of the Negro State Farmer's Association and a member of the National Negro Business League. Bond encouraged fellow African Americans to achieve success through hard work. This belief was championed by Civil Rights leader, Booker T. Washington. In fact, he and Washington were friends, and Mr. Bond even hosted a trip by him to Madison. In 1919, Bond and one of his sons donated $900 to the Negro Baptist Convention at Little Rock. He also donated money to the Red Cross during World War I and helped groups that were committed to stop lynching. All the while, Scott W. Bond continued to grow his wealth and holdings. In 1916, the Bond farm produced about 1,500 bales of cotton and enough feed for his 485 horses and mules.
Although he suffered economically like other farmers in the south after World War I, he continued to work hard. Scott Bond & Sons Mercantile was foreclosed and sold because of debts in 1921. Mr. Bond, along with his two sons, Theophilus and Ulysses were mentioned in the sale. Their liabilities were listed as $550,000 and assets were $100,000. In 1923, Bond became involved in starting a new gravel company with other well known African American businessmen, such as John H. Blount and Daniel A. Rudd. His age and hard labor were beginning to take a tole on Mr. Bond though. He spent a number of months at the hospital in Memphis, but would always return home to his farm at Madison. In 1933, he was attacked by a bull while working on his farm. Scott Bond was rushed to Collins Chapel Hospital in Memphis, but he passed away on March 24. Services were held on March 27, 1933 at Madison Light Baptist Church and he was buried in Madison, Arkansas. His farm was estimated to be about 14,000 acres at the time of his death. Scott Winfield Bond had indeed went from slavery to wealth and lived a life of example to everyone on how to become successful.
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Arkansas Democrat (Little Rock, Arkansas) 19 Aug 1910, Fri. Page 5Baxter Bulletin (Mountain Home, Arkansas) 19 April 2003, Sat. Page 11
Gordon, Fon Louise (November 11, 2021) Scott Winfield Bond (1852-1933) Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/.../scott-winfield.../
Arkansas Democrat (Little Rock, Arkansas) 3 July 1910, Sun. Page 17.