W. Scott Meyer (1892-1979), Hannibal, Missouri
Scott Meyer was a prominent business leader in Missouri, and he was equally prominent in state and national Holstein affairs. A graduate of the University of Missouri, with a major in economics, Scott was an astute businessman. Yet, he loved the soil and good dairy cattle. As a young man he owned a few Jersey cows and delivered milk with a horse and buggy to his Hannibal customers.
In the late 1930’s Scott, with the help of his two sons, William and Jack, established the well-known Paganok Holstein herd with four farm units in Missouri and Illinois. Many national and state production leaders were developed at Paganok, including W. Scott Meyer the first 1,000 lbs. butterfat record in 365 days. Scott was president of the Missouri Holstein Association for 10 years and president of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America, 1957-1959, following two years as vice president and eight years as a director. The Paganok herd was dispersed in 1959.
Scott was a former vice president of the Hannibal National Bank and a board member for 53 years. He had many other business interests in the Hannibal area. He served as a board member of the Missouri Public Expenditure Survey; the American Loan and Savings Association, and as chairman of the Marion County Highway Commission.
He was a charter member of the Hannibal Blessed Sacrament Church and a member of the church choir. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a charter member of the Cardinal Newman Club at the University of Missouri.
Scott and his wife, Elsie, who died in 1969, had two sons and two daughters; William Meyer, Hannibal; John R. Meyer, Brattleboro, Vermont; and daughters Mrs. Mary A. Kelso, Hannibal; and Mrs. Eleanor S. McKinney, Bellevue, Washington. There are 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Scott Meyer was admired as a leader and his judgement and counsel was sought by many. He was well known for his sense of humor and his knack as a story teller. His years of service to the dairy industry and mankind in general have been an inspiration for all who knew him.