Robert Logan Scott

1853-1940

Robert Logan Scott was born in Fenwick, Ayrshire, Scotland, April 18, 2853, the son of John Ferguson Scott and Ann Shields.  He was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on December 5, 1871 by Thomas Godfry.  Ice in the River Clyde had to be broken for his baptism.  He was confirmed by Alexander Rankin.

He emigrated to Utah and there married Catherine Latimer, also from Scotland, in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, August 11, 1876.  His first two children, Robert Latimer and Margaret Dougal, were born there.  He obtained work as a section boss on the railroad near Deseret, Millard County, Utah, and homesteaded a farm there.  Five children were born at Deseret to his wife Catherine, and a son, John, was born by a plural wife, Rosilla Alexander, whom he married while living in Deseret.

Being hounded by the United States Marshals because of his plural marriage, Robert moved to the newly formed colonies in the northern part of Chihuahua, Mexico.  He located in Colonia Juarez, arriving there October 3, 1901.  A son, Walter, was born to his wife, Catherine, and a daughter, Agnes, was born to Rosilla at Colonia Juarez.

The colony was in its early pioneering stage when Robert and his family moved there, and many skills which were essential to its developmental were contributed by him.  He was accomplished in any finishing skills required in the homes, such as carpentry, plastering and whitewashing.  He was hired for such tasks in the Dennis E. Harris homes, among others.  He was an able craftsman, and with his scroll saw, made many useful and decorative pieces of furniture such as bookcases and shelves which at that time were not commonly available in the colonies.  He made outstanding floats for many of the holiday parades.  He kept the town clocks in repair and did much other repair work.  For several years he ran the cannery owned by Joseph C. Bentley, cutting out the cans from sheets of tin as well as filling them when made. 

His home was located on the east side of the Piedras Verdes River south of town beyond the Peter Wood home, near the Stowell gristmill on the west side of the river.  A quiet stretch water in the river near his home created by means of a low dam formed a long pond for boating and swimming.  Large cottonwood trees lined the banks of the river.  From these he suspended high swings.  With two rowboats, which he made, his place became a recreation retreat for the community and especially for the young people.  Boating, swinging, swimming and singing were enjoyed by groups on moonlit evenings.  He also built an icehouse and placed flat pans of water on the riverbank on cold nights to collect ice which he buried in sawdust and kept until spring.  With the ice he made ice cream, popcorn balls, cookies and lemonade.

Robert Logan Scott had a pleasant tenor voice and enjoyed singing in the Ward choir and other occasions when given the opportunity.  He was an avid reader, especially of religious and scientific matter.  In his homes he was diligent in teaching the doctrines of the Church, good manners and cleanliness.  Slang, profanity and stories of questionable taste were never tolerated in his homes.  Of Robert Logan Scott it might truly be said that by his fruits he was known.

As of 1966, he had a growing posterity numbering 238.  Among these were many Church officers: two Mission Presidents, two Stake Presidents, six Bishops, many Counselors in Bishoprics: 32 on foreign missions and many on Stake missions.  Among his descendants have been many successful men in industry and politics and one vice-consul in the United States Foreign Service.  His talent for singing was also passed on to children and grandchildren.

Robert Logan Scott died and was buried at Colonia Dublan September 24, 1940 at the age of 87.

Katherine S. Brown, daughter

Stalwarts South of the Border, Nelle Spilsbury Hatch, page 603