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Canadian History
Robert Scott


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.


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