Robert Neil was a silversmith who started business in 1803 in High Street. He was a partner with Henry L. Gardner and helped turn the firm into a successful company of jewellers, watchmakers and opticians. He was married to Letitia and had nine surviving children. He was an advocate of radical, progressive causes and was involved in various activities such as anti-slavery, Parliamentary reform, and support for the Belfast Poor House. He was a strong anti-slavery man and hosted visiting abolitionist lecturers such as William Lloyd Garrison, Henry C. Wright, and Frederick Douglass. He died in Holywood in 1857, where he may have been living with his son James. Letitia predeceased him by 12 years.
Neil was a major player in the abolitionist movement in Belfasts. To learn more, book the ANTI SLAVERY BELFAST TOUR!
Robert Neil, watchmaker, abolitionist and activist
My great, great, great grandfather was Robert Neill. A friend of Frederick Douglass. Kenneth Morris Jr and I worked together in church choir in California. Kenneth is the great great great grandson of Frederick Douglass. Kenneth was recently in Ireland for this tour. I may be there in October myself.