Scott Sir Richard William 1825- Born In Prescott Ontario
Educated privately, and studied law; in 1848 called to the bar and
practised with success in Ottawa. Elected mayor of Bytown (now Ottawa)
in 1852. Sat in the Legislative Assembly, 1857-1863. A member of the
first Legislature of Ontario, 1867-1873; in 1871 elected Speaker; and in
1872 appointed commissioner of crown lands. Called to the Senate in
1874. Secretary of state and registrar-general of Canada in Mackenzie
ministry, 1874-1878. In 1878 introduced the Temperance Act, more
commonly known as the Scott Act, which constitutes his principal title
to a place among Canadian legislators. In 1896 secretary of state in
Laurier government, which position he held until 1908; knighted, 1909.