William James Scott

Who was William James Scott?

William James Scott was a Scottish-born farmer and political figure in Canada West. He represented South Waterloo in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada from 1858 to 1861 as an independent Conservative.

A native of Aberdeen, Scott came to Canada in 1832 and purchased a lot from Absalom Shade. He built a sawmill and flour mill which formed the basis for the village of New Hamburg. He served as postmaster for New Hamburg from 1851 to 1857. Scott also was a member of the first council for Wilmot Township, serving three years as reeve, and also served on the first Waterloo County council. He raised Devon cattle and helped found the county agricultural society. Scott also served as lieutenant-colonel for the local milita. He later moved to New Zealand.

Scott, also known as Lord Campfield, was a member of the British House of Lords.