Robert MacKenzie 

veterinarian, livestock & equine specialties

Robert Alistair MacKenzie was born December 21, 1832 as the oldest son of Alistair and Alba MacKenzie.  Growing up he split his time between the town house in Edinburgh and the large rural estate outside the town of Inverness that his father took them to summer at. His parents were quite different -- Alba coming from Edinburgh and preferring nothing but the city, and Alistair being raised on a large country estate and only coming into the city when he was older because that's where his business and Alba had led him. Robert inherited his father's love of the outdoors, as did his brother Ian and his sister Mary Elizabeth. But even with their differences, Alistair and Alba enjoyed each other's company and Robert grew up in a happy home.

Unfortuntely the happiness was shortlived, and Alistair died in a carriage accident when Robert was 18.  Alba remarried quickly, to George Ferguson, one of Alistair's business associate while Robert was attending the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. Robert heartily disapproved of his mother's remarriage, but had no reason to act on his disapproval.  Not until he finished with his veterinary studies at the age of 23, and was forced to buy his family's farm back after Ferguson decided to start selling off the family assets to pay off gambling debts. Unable to watch his mother continue in her marriage to this man, he moved permanently to the estate at Inverness. 

Years later, Robert was visiting Edinburgh for Christmas and caught Ferguson hitting his mother.  Ferguson was kicked out of the house that day, and they thought that would be the end of that.  It wasn't, and George Ferguson was found strangled by a set of reins a month later in the estate stables.  Robert decided to leave Scotland not soon after Ferguson's untimely demise, itching for a change of scenery and hopping on a train as soon as his boat got into New York. He got off in New Shelby and decided to set up his practice there for a few years.  He plans to return to Edinburgh after a few years, but a change of scenery is always good for a little while.

MUN: Rebecca [contact]

Find Robert's complete bio [here]

In Game Timeline for Robert:

• May 7, 1867; afternoon (~2pm). Equine check-ups: Eli's got a mare that needs special attention just now, and Robert stops by for a look at her. [Complete] 

• May 11, 1867; evening (~9pm). Drinks at the Heel Kicker: Robert's had a long day and is in need of liquid refreshment and a friendly face.  Stella can provide both of those. [Complete] 

• May 12, 1867; afternoon (~4pm).  New Arrivals: Robert gets a bit of a surprise back at the homestead -- his sister, Mary Elizabeth, who was supposed to be in a nunnery back in Scotland. [Complete] 

• May 17, 1867; morning (~9am).  Foal Inspections: Doc MacKenzie is checking in on Eli's new foal, and Lizzie comes looking. [Complete]

• May 27, 1867; early evening.  Injured Ponies: Shortstack's hurt and it's more then Floyd's little hands can handle. [Complete]

• June 2, 1867; evening. Unwelcome attentions: Stella runs into a bit of trouble, and requires Robert's assistance. [In Progress]