The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Black, Hon. Neil
Black, Hon. Neil, M.L.C., J.P., was the son of Alexander Black, and was born at Cowal, Argyleshire, in 1804. He emigrated to Australia in 1839, and went to the Camperdown district, where, as the representative partner of Mr. Finlay, of Castle Toward, Argyleshire, Mr. Stuart Gladstone, of Capenock, and Mr. Stewart, of Glenormiston, Perthshire, Scotland, he purchased the Glenormiston property. The partnership, which was highly remunerative after 1846, continued until 1868, when the property was divided. Mr. Black bought Mr. Gladstone's portion, now known as Mount Noorat, and resided on it until his death May 15th, 1880. Mr. Black, who married Miss Grace Greenshiels Leadbetter, for many years represented the Western Province in the Legislative Council, and was also a magistrate for the southern bailiwick. As a politician he was a staunch Conservative, and opposed the introduction of free education.