His son, James W., attended the public schools until he was fifteen years old, when he was transferred to the collegiate school of Bedford, of which Samuel Holmes was principal. Having acquired a good classical education, he commenced the study of medicine with his father, who was then, and had been for many years, one of the physicians in charge of the Westchester County almshouse, where the son had ample opportunity of seeing much practice while yet a student. After attending three courses of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, he graduated as " M.D." in 1847.

The next year he began practice in his native town, and continued it until the close of his life, being invariably favored with a large, remunerative and responsible practice. He became his father's successor in the profession, and was appointed to fill his place at the Almshouse.

During his entire life Dr. Scribner held a high position among his professional brethren in the county. So acute were his perceptions, so widely read was he in his profession, and so skillful in applying his acquirements to practical use, that if he had made a si)ecialty of any one department of medicine, he would have become renowned as a leader in it. But he devoted himself to general practice, and was satisfied to gain a local reputation as a skillful physician, surgeon and obstetrician. It is seldom that any one becomes as accomplished in all these divisions of practical medicine as was Dr. Scribner. His counsel was frequently sought by physicians at a distance, and in his own neighborhood he was the one always sent for when consultation was required in cases of prolonged illness or in emergencies. He was devoted to his profession and to the friends he had acquired in following it, and could seldom be induced to withdraw himself from his work for relaxation or amusement.