Robert Scott, one of the leading manufacturers in Galt, is a native of this town, dating his birth August 25, 1839. His father, James Scott, came from Scotland, nearly fifty years ago; is a builder, living in Galt, and is one of the oldest residents of the town. Robert had a common school education; learned the tinsmith trade; worked at it two or three years in Albany, New York, and about the same length of time in Guelph, Ontario; returned to Galt, and formed a partnership with William Trotter, in the tin, stove and hollow ware business, under the firm name of Trotter and Scott, who were together for ten years, and did a very successful business.
In 1863 Mr. Scott sold out to his partner, and six months afterwards bought the “Victoria Works;” and since that date has been engaged in manufacturing hubs, spokes, rims, &c. a full line of carriage works, by steam bending, having one of the largest factories of the kind in the Province. He usually has a staff of about thirty-five men. The market for his wares, which are second to none of the kind made in Canada, extends into all the Provinces, and Mr. Scott is well known among wheelwrights from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.
He was in the town council of Galt four or five years, and has been deputy reeve since about 1875, still holding that office, and seems to be willing to bear his share of the labor in the town and county municipalities.
He is a steadfast and earnest Reformer, and treasurer of the Reform Association for the south riding of Waterloo.
His religious connection is with the Methodist church of Canada; is a member of the board of trustees of the same, and took a prominent part in building the new Methodist church in Galt, a house of worship of which the town may well be proud.
In April, 1876, Mr. Scott married Miss Margaret White, of Seaforth, county of Huron, and they have lost one daughter, and have three children living: James Herbert, Catherine Elizabeth and Jennie.