Scott, Robert

Robert Scott, born in Selma on February 2, 1893, became a prominent business leader as the president and manager of the Walter Scott Company. He was the son of Walter Scott, a Canadian-born pioneer who endured major agricultural setbacks in Nebraska before relocating his family to Fresno County in 1891. His father established a successful enterprise in Selma in 1892, which was later incorporated as the Walter Scott Company in 1901. Robert grew up in Selma, graduating from local public schools and Heald Business College in Los Angeles before taking on increasing responsibilities within the family firm.

Beginning as a messenger boy, Robert worked his way up to manage the grocery and hardware divisions when the family business restructured in 1914. His career was briefly interrupted on September 4, 1917, when he volunteered for service in the United States Navy during the World War, serving as a chief gunner instructor before receiving his honorable discharge in December 1918. Beyond his business leadership, he was an active member of the California Raisin Growers Association, the California Peach Growers, Incorporated, and the Native Sons fraternity. Married to Adah C. Conklin in 1911 and father to a son named Norman Hugh, his leadership of the enterprise established by his father made him a cornerstone of commerce in Selma.