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Galt, the subject of this sketch was born
in the town of Galt, Ontario, in 1839. His father, James Scott, a
gentleman of sterling character and excellent abilities, removed from
Scotland, and settled in Dundas in 1829. Here he married and settled
down for a few years, but with happy insight perceived that he would
accomplish more by removing to Galt. Thither, therefore, he repaired,
and he at once occupied himself in building up a business. He still
resides in Galt, and is one of those who can point to his exertions as
being among no the least important means through which his adopted town
was able to take the proud place that it now in the business community
of Ontario. The subject of our sketch received a sound common school
education; and after his studies were ended, he began to learn the
tinsmith trade. In order to make himself master in this business, he
removed to Albany, New York, where he spent two years in a prominent and
well-equipped establishment, and he removed back to Canada, and pursued
his trade for a time in Guelph. Two years there convinced him that the
better opportunity for his business existed in Galt, his native town.
Consequently he removed there and associated himself in partnership with
William Trotter in the stove, tin and hollow-ware business, under the
firm of Trotter & Scott. In 1873, after the partnership had existed
for ten years, Mr. Scott sold out his interest in the business, and six
months afterwards purchased the Victoria Works, and engaged in the
manufacture of hubs, spokes, rims, wheels, etc. This establishment was
afterwards changed to the style of the Victoria Wheel Co., and is now
one of the largest factories of that kind in the province of Ontario.
After a time Mr. Scott leased the establishment to Messrs. Perry &
Cook, and went to the United States, dividing his time between the
cities of Detroit, Cleveland, Atlanta, Georgia. Tidings had now reached
him that his property had been destroyed by fire, as returning home -
this was in the fall of 1882 - he rebuilt the factory, and business was
resumed, Mr. Scott entering as a partner with the lessees. Many
individual townsmen, who had learned, during the many years of his
residence, to appreciate his ability and manly worth, pressed him to
allow himself to be put in nomination for a town-councillorship. To this
he consented, and was elected in 1873. He acquitted himself in this
position with so much uprightness, ability and zeal for the interests of
the town, that his fellow citizens thus elected him reeve. It was after
this time that he went abroad; but on his return to his native town, he
was again received with feelings of much satisfaction. In 1885 he was
elected mayor, and a most worthy chief magistrate has he proven himself
to be. In addition to his other prominent business connections, Mr.
Scott is a Director of the Gore Mutual Fire Insurance Co. In religion he
is a staunch and honoured member of the Methodist communion. In politics
he is a Reformer, liver enough to regard with just appreciation all the
good measures of his opponents, and true enough to put it in no man's
power to be able to say that his principles ever wavered. He has been
treasurer of the Reform Association for the South Riding of Waterloo
county. Mr. Scott was married in 1876 to Margaret White, of Seaforth,
County of Huron, and by this estimable lady has two daughters and one
son. He is one of those to whom the community, with whom he is
associated, must always be in many important ways deeply indebted. |
