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The past is a foreign county; they do things differently there.
—L.P. Hartley

R. Scott Williams

Scott Williams is dedicated to uncovering the forgotten stories of those who helped shape American history and popular culture. He is the author of biographies on adventurer Richard Halliburton, pioneering entertainment reporter Odd McIntyre, and American folk hero David Crockett. His newest biography is a deep dive into the life of Memphis founder Marcus Winchester.

Scott’s Bio

My Genealogy & History Blog

Following the Footsteps of the Lovelace Family
  • August 19, 2026   Scott Williams     0

I love photos of my ancestors. However, the farther back I trace each line, the less likely I am to …

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Lewis Grave Yard with Some Mention of Early Settlers Along Fifth Creek, Iredell Co., N.C.
  • August 14, 2026   Scott Williams     0

My interest in Lewis Graveyard is personal. Several of my direct ancestors are buried there, including my fourth great-grandparents Thomas …

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Will of Thomas Lovelace, 1772-1829
  • August 14, 2026   Scott Williams     0

Thank goodness for wills. Of course, a diary with frequent entries about a person’s day-to-day life would be an easier …

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Holly Grove Baptist Church: A Castellaw Legacy
  • August 6, 2026   Scott Williams     0

The 2026 reunion of the descendants of John Dawson Castellaw (1780–1859) and Zilpha Spruill Castellaw (1778–1842) is set for Saturday, …

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What I Discovered About my Family Tree from my DNA
  • July 22, 2026   Scott Williams     0

Photo: Receiving my DNA way back in 2016 / DNA: a decade later In July 2016, I wrote a blog …

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George Williams of Bertie County and the Battle of Stono Ferry
  • June 27, 2026   Scott Williams     0

Photo: A British map of Stono Ferry referencing the 1779 battle. Source: South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust / As I …

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All blog posts, 1998 – present

Reelfoot Forward: A West Tennessee Podcast Hosted by Scott Williams

Episode 236: Allie West: Beyond the Jumpsuit – Reelfoot Forward

What does it take to step onstage and pay tribute to one of the most recognizable entertainers in history? The guest for this special Elvis Week episode is Allie West, a third-generation Elvis Presley fan from western Kentucky and the creator of Beyond the Jumpsuit, a website devoted to sharing the stories of Elvis tribute artists. West explains how childhood performances, tribute-artist contests and a memorable concert inspired her to look beyond the rhinestones and learn more about the people keeping Elvis’ music and legacy alive. West shares what she has discovered through nearly 40 interviews with performers of all ages, including the time, discipline and financial investment required to build a career as an Elvis tribute artist. The conversation explores the importance of authentic costumes and jewelry, the judging process at official contests, the camaraderie among performers and the growing number of young artists who are discovering Elvis decades after his death. For more about Allie, visit beyondthejumpsuit.com. For everything about Elvis Week and Graceland, visit Graceland.com. This episode is sponsored by Cape Electrical Supply.
  1. Episode 236: Allie West: Beyond the Jumpsuit
  2. Ep. 235: Kenny McCloud: From Union City to Hip Hop History
  3. Ep. 234: Willy Bearden: Southern Storyteller
  4. Ep. 233: Jennifer Glass: Little Miss McKenzie
  5. Ep. 232: Susan Geveden Fisher: A Writer’s Journey

Out Now: “Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis”


Purchase Now on Amazon


Meticulously researched and filled with new information and insight, “Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis” brings to life a fascinating cast of early Memphians including flatboat pilots, fur traders, Native Americans, the enslaved, enslavers, abolitionists and politicians. It reframes the birth of a Southern metropolis through the lens of Marcus Winchester, the man who helped shape it, only to be cast out by some in the very community he helped create.

Twenty questions with author Scott Williams about Marcus Winchester and “Townmania”

In a city shaped by legends, it’s easy to overlook the man who helped build the stage for them all. In “Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis,” author Scott Williams masterfully resurrects one of the city’s most overlooked figures and offers readers a sweeping portrait of Memphis’s earliest days. What emerges is more than a biography. It’s a cultural portrait that blends politics, race and ambition into a compelling, timely narrative.

Q ‘n’ A
In 1909, former Memphis mayor James H. Malone led a project to procure portraits of all the city’s former mayors to hang in the newly built City Hall. Because there was no existing portrait of Marcus Winchester, one was painted by S.D. Rogers of Walter Gray’s Studio in Memphis. Today, the portrait is on display with others in the Hall of Mayors in the lobby of Memphis City Hall at 125 Main Street.

Scott’s TikTok

@scottatdiscoverypark

Scott’s Instagram

Members of Team Discovery Park spent a day of inspiration with the geniuses behind BVO | Baron Von Opperbean and The River of Time on Mud Island in Memphis. An incredible lunch and presentation on providing the highest level of service in hospitality was provided by Ed Cabigao, co-founder of SOB Hospitality. #museumlife @memphistravel @edcabigao @bvoexp @discoveryparktn @southofbeale It’s always fun to have my DC friends visit @discoveryparktn. We took advantage of the @tennessee250 decorations. They will be up through July in case you want to come by and make a memory. #america250 @america250 #july4th Here are just a few photos from the @tennessee250 / @america250 celebration at @discoveryparktn. Celebrate Tennessee America 250 at #playadelcarmenmexico🏖️🏖️ #familytime 2026 Tennessee’s Statehood Day “...a well-researched trove of information for anyone who wants to know more about one of the pioneering leaders of our city.” Blessed to spend some time with friends and family the last few days. The older I get, the younger my teammates look. Welcome back. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXAU50IgWAi/ Marcus Winchester. Who knew? For the complete interview with @kontji Anthony on @liveat9.tv on @wreg3, google “Live at 9 News Channel 3.” Thanks to everyone who came out for the launch of “Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis” at @novelmemphis last night. @joeysulipeck was a masterful host, as usual, and Mandy and the Novel team set up a fantastic event. Thanks to @itsalex_williams for the photos. Here are just a few. #booklaunch #memphis #booktok #america250 Made a quick pit stop at Martyrs Park before chatting with @kontji Anthony on @liveat9.tv on @wreg3 about “Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis” and my launch events this Thursday, April 9 at @novelmemphis and Friday at Art in the Loop with the @artworksfoundation. Let’s party. https://www.instagram.com/p/DWsKiA7jX66/ If you’re a subscriber to the @dailymemphian, check out today’s article about “Townmania: Marcus Winchester and the Making of Memphis” and the book launch event on Thursday, April 9 at 6 p.m at @novelmemphis. See you there! #booklaunch #memphis #memphishistory #tennesseehistory #biography I’ll be at Art in the Loop on Friday, April 10 from 1 - 6 p.m. Stop by and say hello.