Private Robert Scott was born on 12 July 1840 in Pakenham, Ontario to Ingram and Esther (Elliot) Scott, they were both of Scottish-Irish descent.

He volunteered for the Militia in 1865 and served with Number 3, (Capt Boustead’s), Company of the Queen’s Own Rifles until 1867. He was called up to active service in the spring and summer of 1866 during the Fenian invasion scare. Robert was with 3 Company at the Battle of Ridgeway on 2 June 1866 when Canadian Militia fought against Fenian invaders from the United States.

He married Agnes Innis in 1863 and they had 13 children together. He was a merchant by trade.

By 1899, (33 years later), the Canadian Government finally authorized a medal to be issued to the veterans of the Fenian Raids. Robert applied for and received the General Service Medal which was handed-down through his family until 2024 when it was donated to the Queen’s Own Rifles Museum and Archive by William Robert Scott, and the estate of Robert’s granddaughter the late Mary Shaw.

Timeline of military service:

• 1865, June, Toronto:
• 1866, March, Toronto;
• 1866, June 2, Battle of Ridgeway;
• 1866, June 7, Stratford;
• 1866, Aug, Thorold;
• 1867, Jan, Toronto;
• 1867, March, Toronto.

He died on 22 February 1905 and is buried in Pakenham Union Cemetery with Agnes and three of their children.

Link to Library and Archives Canada page of General Service medal applications.