Name from Pamela Booth’s book, “Blink Bonnie”, published March 2010. Pamela’s great-great grandparents were Robert Clark Higgie b.1855 and Jane Hearn Rapley.
Sailed to New Zealand with the Higgie family on the ‘Olympus’ in 1841.

In June 2017, Brian of nzolivers.com has found the Story of Thomas Scott here:
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/1s2/scott-thomas

From the above link:
Date and place of birth, date of death, place of burial.
Assisted immigrant on the Olympus, arriving at Wellington on 20 April 1841. The Scotts' first child died on the voyage but seven more children were born in New Zealand:
Name from passenger record of Passenger list of the barque Olympus:
Scott
- Thomas age 26 Ploughman
- Mary age 20
- John age 13 months (as at November 1840, therefore born circa October 1839) Died at sea 7/1/1841 "Intestinal Worms" Long 6.00N Lat 21.33W [North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Guinea, Africa]

From October 1849 until his death Thomas Scott operated Scott's Ferry, near the mouth of the Rangitikei River. He and his wife also managed the general store and hotel associated with the ferry.

The photo of Thomas and grandchildren here is from the National Library of New Zealand collection. The description reads:
"Thomas Scott with his granddaughters (the Higgie family of Matarawa). Mary Oliver stands at the back and one of the other children is identified as Maude Higgie. Photographed by Frank Hill, circa 1880s".

In the photo, girls L to R are: Adeline Jane Higgie (age 6), Annie Maud Higgie (age 11), cousin Mary Ann Oliver (age 17), Amy Hilda Higgie (age 8). Ages calculated if the photo was taken in 1880.
Adeline, Annie, and Amy are the daughters of Alexander and Annie (nee Scott) Higgie. Mary is the eldest daughter of Janet (Jessie) Oliver (nee Higgie).
Thomas Scott here (at age circa 64) is the father of Annie (nee Scott) Higgie.

There was some debate about whether this is really Thomas Scott or maybe Thomas Higgie. As at May 2023, Brian of nzolivers concluded it is of Thomas Scott (1816-1892).

However, Brian of nzolivers.com then sent an online query to the National Library of New Zealand. On the 20 June 2023, Brian received a response from the Research Enquiries section of the Alexander Turnbull Library. They wrote:
Thank you for your enquiry of 29/05/2023 to the Alexander Turnbull Library, asking about the source of information on the following images as there are two Thomas Scotts, father and son in the family and you are trying to identify which one it is.....
My only question is the age that he looks in the photographs on our website and given he was born 1816, I think it is possible not all our information is correct, I would suspect that the two images on our website are Thomas Scott the son.

Date and place of birth confirmed, date and place of baptism, from Scotland Births and Baptisms records found in May 2023:
Name: Thomas Scott
Birth Date: 14 Feb 1816
Baptism Date: 18 Feb 1816
Baptism Place: Kilconquhar, Fife, Scotland
Father: John Scott
Mother: Christian Bisset

Date of marriage, place of marriage confirmed, from Scotland Marriage records found in May 2023:
Groom: Thomas Scott
Bride: Ann Wilson
Marriage Date: 30 Dec 1837
Marriage Place: Logie, Fife, Scotland

Date of death confirmed, place of burial from Find A Grave record found in May 2023:
Name: Thomas Scott
Birth Date: 14 Feb 1816
Birth Place: Kilconquhar, Fife, Scotland
Death Date: 16 Jan 1892
Cemetery: Parewanui Presbyterian Cemetery, Parewanui, Rangitikei District, New Zealand
Spouse: Charlotte Pringle Scott, Annie Scott
Children: Jane Bennett, Annie Higgie, Thomas Scott, Elizabeth Mackie, John Scott, Christina Bull, David Scott

Obituary of Thomas Scott Snr in the Manawatu Herald dated 19 January 1892, from Papers Past found in May 2023 by Katia, wife of Tim Grant Oliver. Tim is the great-grandson of James Alexander Oliver b.1866 and onwards through his son Ivor J C Oliver b.1907.
Death of Mr T. Scott. Sen.
It is with feelings of deep regret that we chronicle the death, at the ripe old age of almost four score years, of Mr Thomas Scott, the father of Rangitikei settlement. It is now 46 years since Mr Scott, with his wife and four children, two sons and two daughters, came to the district. Prior to that time the deceased gentleman had been engaged in the early war in New Zealand, serving both in the militia and the armed police. While in the latter service he took part in the capture of Te Ringa Kuri, a rebel chief. Mr Scott was born in Fife, and in early manhood came to New Zealand. For several years he carried the mails on foot along the coast between Taranaki and Wellington. It is few who could have performed the arduous work. The loads, too, he carried being sometimes of great weight. While engaged in this capacity Mr Scott used to drive a lucrative business with the Natives by trading merchandise, which he used to carry on his shoulders in addition to the mails, with them. When he arrived at Rangitikei, 46 years ago, Mr Scott was the only white man for miles around, it being about two years later that the late Mr James McDonnell arrived on the scene. Mr Scott, besides acting in the dual capacity of ferryman and pilot, had an hotel and store at the ferry. After a short time he relinquished the pilotship and devoted the whole of his time to his other vocations. The entire business of the district went through his hands. He was the forwarding agent both for goods coming in and going out, and he was the only store and hotel-keeper. Some time ago he relinquished the hotel business, but continued the ferry and store. Mr Scott will never be forgotten, and his name is indelibly written in the annals of Rangitikei, and even Wellington province, history. To all travellers, when the main road was along the sea coast, via the ferry, Mr Scott's name was familiar, and there are many alive at the present day who will have very vivid recollections of him. In the general politics of the country Mr Scott always took a deep interest, but in local affairs he took no part. He was generally esteemed by all who knew him. His habits were very sociable, and many a good tale would he tell of his early experiences when New Zealand was not what it is now. About 10 or 12 years ago his wife died, and he afterwards married the widow of the late Mr James Bromley, of Porirua, and she survives him. For the last few years Mr Scott has been in failing health, and his death which occurred at half past two on Saturday afternoon, was by no means unexpected. That death will bring up recollections of bygone days to the minds of many of our readers. Mr Scott had seven of a family, three sons and four daughters. Of these Christina, who married Mr James Bull, and Jane, who married Mr Bennett of Wellington, are dead. Mr John Scott, the eldest son, is now a resident of Bulls, but has been for some time an invalid; Thomas is working for Mr E. T. Riddiford, of Longburn, and David Scott, who is known to all, is a farmer in Lower Rangitikei. Of his daughters, Mrs Higgie, and Elizabeth, who is unmarried, are the only ones alive. The funeral will take place this afternoon, and will leave the ferry at one o'clock for the Parewanui cemetery. - Advocate.

Interesting account of Thomas Scott's work, claim for a pension, from the New Zealand Mail newspaper of 26 June 1891 found on the Papers Past website in February 2024:
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZMAIL18910626.2.39
The Traveller
A VETERAN.
Mr Thomas Scott is one of the old identities, and his life has been one of many adventures and hairbreadth escapes. Born in 1815 he is to-day as erect and sprightly in all his movements as though he had not yet seen 40 years. Square-shouldered, broad-chested, his whole frame shows great strength and activity, and he likewise manifests a keen and intelligent interest in the great questions of the day, indeed, he seemed to mo the very beau ideal of a pioneer settler, full of energy, sturdy, and of an independent spirit.
He arrived in New Zealand in the year 1841 from Scotland, and landed in Wellington, having come out in the Olympus, after a six months' voyage, and Mr Scott refers to the ship as ‘the sleepiest animal he ever had anything to do with.’ For some time after his arrival he worked on the Wellington beach, and then undertook a contract for the conveyance of the overland mail between Wellington and Wanganui, via Foxton, a distance of considerably over a hundred miles. The journey was made entirely on foot once a fortnight , the time occupied in going and returning being five days, the remuneration paid being about £70 per annum.
Later on the service was altered to a weekly one, and the salary raised to about £150 a year, the remuneration in either case being decidedly modest compared with the nature of the service rendered, which was a moat arduous and ofttimes very perilous one.
The route from Wellington was via Paremata [Paramata], the arm of the sea being crossed by boat; after which the following rivers had to be crossed, viz, Waikanae, Otaki, Ohau, Manawatu, Rangitikei, Turakina, Wangaehu, and Wanganui.
Mr Scott used to make his own canoes, and in addition to the mail bags often carried parcels and goods of various descriptions, and more than once conveyed 112lbs on his back (whilst filling the capacity of mail carrier), between Wellington and Otaki, a distance of about 50 miles.
When the Native War broke out he joined the Armed Constabulary inaugurated by Sir George Grey, and continued in active service until the natives tendered their submission. Knowing the West Coast and natives so well his services as a guide were simply invaluable during these troublous times.
He fought under Major Dury, and although over ready for a brush with the enemy and foremost in the fray, he served throughout the war, and yet escaped without receiving any severe injury. He was presented with a token of his valour.
In 1851 Mr Scott removed from Wellington to where he now resides, built a house, and established the first ferry across the Rangitikei River at this point, under the General Government, continued the service under the Provincial Government, and now under the County Council, the local governing body. Within a year of his taking up his residence at the ferry, a post office was established thereat, and Mr Scott appointed postmaster, which position he still continues to hold. Mr Hoggard, I believe, was at that time Chief Postmaster, father of the present Chief Clerk at Wellington General Post Office.
For about seven years Cobb’s line of coaches plied between Wellington and Wanganui twice weekly via Scott’s Ferry, and Mr Scott had charge of the change of horses for Mr Andrew Young, the proprietor. The journey used to occupy two days at that time, the coach from Wellington going as far as Foxton the first day, the route being along the beach from Paikakariki [Paekakariki] to the Ferry.
Mr Scott was stationed at Porirua with a contingent of the Armed Constabulary at the time when H.M. ships Calliope and Driver were anchored near there, and sailors and marines from those ships, some 400 strong, surrounded the Taupo Pah (then known by that name), and took that celebrated old fighting chief and cannibal, Rauparaha, prisoner, and conveyed him on board the Calliope.
The many valuable services rendered by this veteran pioneer and soldier appear to have been strangely overlooked, whilst many have been handsomely rewarded, whose claims to recognition are absolutely nowhere as compared with Mr Scott. He has been left without reward of any sort.
I sincerely hope so grave an injustice will, even at this late date, be rectified, for it is far from creditable that one who has served this Colony so long and faithfully - ever foremost to face the enemy in time of war, and for over forty years fulfilling the duties of postmaster continuously - should have his claims to recognition so passed over for no other reason, apparently, than that he has not pressed his claims personally as many others have successfully done whose cases were far less deserving.
I believe some two or three sessions ago the question of granting him a pension was brought up in the House, and that Sir George Grey gave evidence as to the long and faithful services which Scott had rendered the Government, and that the Committee recommended that a pension he granted. But there the matter rested, nothing further having been done, apparently, towards giving effect to the resolution.
I hope Sir George will see these lines and again move in the direction of having justice done in the matter. It would be a worthy and graceful act on the part of the veteran statesman, more especially seeing he is so well acquainted with the merits of the case.

Thomas seriously unwell, interesting stories, from the New Zealand Mail newspaper of 24 July 1891 found on the Papers Past website in February 2024:
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZMAIL18910724.2.30.3
FEILDING.
(From an occasional correspondent.)
In the notes of your travelling reporter mention is made in his interesting, chatty manner, of Mr Thomas Scott of Lower Rangitikei. l am sorry to record that on a recent visit there I found him seriously unwell. Tough old veteran as he is, it has pulled him down greatly. It would indeed interest your readers to hear some of the many curious experiences of his younger days.
I remember an occasion when Sir James Ferguson and Major Atkinson were travelling through by coach. They put up at Mr Scott’s, and were treated to a first rate dinner in the good wife’s scrupulously clean and comfortable kitchen. The major and Mr Scott were friends of the old fighting days, and his fund of humorous information served to amuse his Excellency. One of Rangitikei’s prominent settlers happened to step in, and was presented by the host thus. ‘This is His Aixcellency [Excellency] the Governor, and a fine affable fellow, and this,’extending his palm towards the Colonial Treasurer, ‘is Major Etkinson, our great financial Minister, and he’s a fine fellow too.
The worthy old salt regaled us with stories of the mail carrying days. Among other things freely telling the Major who was at the time Commissioner of Customs, how he (Scott) used to start from Wellington with the mail bags, and a two gallon keg of O.P. rum [Overproof means 50% alcohol by volume] on his back, sell shilling nobblers [glass measure of spirits] all the way along the beach, and arrive with the keg at Manawatu still full and deliver it to the order of one of his many clients.

Death Notice for Thomas Scott from the Evening Post newspaper of 18 January 1892 found on the Papers Past website in February 2024:
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18920118.2.14
DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER.
By Telegraph
United Press Association
Bulls, This Day.
Mr. Thomas Scott, the oldest settler in Rangitikei died at Scott's Ferry on Saturday afternoon. It is 46 years since ho came to the district.

Obituary from the Wanganui Herald newspaper of 18 January 1892 found on the Papers Past website in February 2024:
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WH18920118.2.18
Old residents on this coast will learn with regret that a well-known "old identity " in the person of Mr Thomas Scott, of Rangitikei, passed away on Saturday. For years Mr Scott had the ferry near the mouth of the Rangitikei River, as also, the accommodation house, where travellers in the early days found all the comforts of a home, and were made welcome by the genial host and hostess. From his long residence on this coast and his wide experience, Mr Scott had a large fund of information, and was a capital raconteur of qnainty humorous adventures in which he played a leading part in the "good old times." The deceased leaves a grown-up family by his first wife, who predeceased him several years since, among whom are Mr David Scott, of Lower Rangitikei, and Mrs Alex. Higgle of No. 2 line. The deceased was twice married and leaves a widow to also mourn his loss.

Funeral service for Thomas, from the Manawatu Herald newspaper of 21 January 1892 found on the Papers Past website in February 2024:
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH18920121.2.8
The body of the late Mr Thomas Scott was laid to rest in the Parewanui cemetery [on Parewanui Rd three miles from Bulls] on Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Mr Doull conducted the service. A very large number of relatives and friends followed in the funeral procession. Amongst the pall bearers were Messrs F. Robinson, Signal, and Mc Beth. Mr Watt, of Wanganui also journeyed down to pay the last tribute of respect to this old settler. Mr McBeth attended to represent the Postal Department, the deceased having been the oldest postmaster in the Service. The eldest son, Mr John Scott, was prevented by illness from being present. The late Mr.Scott had been ailing for some considerable time, and death was a kind relief to his sufferings.

Discussion of group photo and who the senior gentleman might be, in an email dated 19 February 2024 from Kathy Scott to Heather Scott:
"I have spent most of the morning comparing the photos and reading up about Higgie info on line Have come across some interesting pieces put up by various people detailing the marriages of family members and mentioning familiar names who attended the weddings. Colin and I do not think the person in the photo with the girls is Thomas Scott senior who was a strong robust man who would have been exposed to the sea and the outdoors in all weather. The photo of the man with the girls as well as the younger photo of him is of a person who has not been exposed to the elements he has finer features and not such broad shoulders as Scott. It could be Thomas junior especially as he lived in the area and was possibly a favourite uncle".
Kathy's husband, Colin Scott, is the x2 great grandson of Thomas Scott Snr (1816-1892) and grandson of John Scott.
Heather's husband is the x2 great grandson of Thomas Scott Snr (1816-1892) and grandson of John Scott.
Colin Scott and Heather's husband are cousins, sharing the same grandfather.

In May 2024, Brian has attributed some of the photos of Thomas Scott Senior (1816-1892) to Thomas Scott Junior circa1844-1920).