Upton Scott

Artist: Unknown; Pastel on paper

Upton Scott was born in County Antrim in Ireland in 1722 and received his medical training in Glasgow Scotland. He arrived in Annapolis in 1853 with Horatio Sharpe, the last Royal Governor of Maryland, as his personal physician. This position helped him obtain a large practice, and he was also the “Court Physician” of the capital.

In 1760, Elizabeth Ross became his bride, and he built a stately house in Annapolis, Maryland, on the north shore of what is now Spa Creek. The house, designed by William Buckland, still stands.

Dr. Scott sat out the American Revolution in Ireland, but returned to Annapolis when it was over.

At the age of 76, in 1799, Scott joined other Maryland physicians in founding the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland and served as the organization's first president.

In addition to his many other varied activities, Upton Scott was a devoted and knowledgeable gardener, with a greenhouse and extensive gardens at his home.

Dr. Scott’s nephew-by-marriage was Francis Scott Key, who frequently stayed with the doctor while attending St. John’s College in Annapolis. Key was the author of the American National Anthem.

Dr. Scott died and was buried in Annapolis, MD on Wednesday, 23 February 1814, the same year his nephew penned the National Anthem, just two months after celebrating his ninetieth birthday.