1912: First Black family settles in the Surrey area

Henry Houston Scott, his wife Amy, and their three youngest children came from Oklahoma. The Scott’s settled in Surrey in 1912, purchasing a seven-acre parcel along today’s 64 Avenue at 181A Street. They were among the earliest Black families in that area. The family ran a farm, but all that remains today are some apple trees that still blossom. One son, Roy, worked at the local lumber mill and for Canadian Pacific Railway. Son Jesse worked as a dairy farmer and oil refinery worker and played baseball for the local team. Benola, the daughter and last surviving family member, died in 1971.  A family grave stone was installed in 2018 by the City of Surrey.