People of Angus
Louis Black
Louis Black died on 24 October 1886 at 24 North Street, Montrose, aged 66. He was a native of Brazil and came to Montrose in his youth as the slave of Alexander MacKay of Broomley. MacKay had mercantile in interests in Rio de Janeiro and Liverpool through his firm of MacKay & Co. When MacKay returned to Scotland around the mid 1830’s he brought Louis with him. Louis was sent to school in Montrose and he soon became well known and a great favourite in the town. MacKay later returned to Brazil but Louis choose to remain in Scotland where he was free. A return to Brazil would have equalled a return to slavery. MacKay did not forget Louis. On his death he left Louis an annuity for his lifelong maintenance. Louis also worked as a gardener. He was frequently employed in the town to serve at public dinners and also at private dinners in the Montrose area.
In his private life, Louis was a strong churchman, a Tory and an avid angler. Golf was another passion.
His portrait was painted by local artist James Irvine (1833-1889) and was donated to Montrose Museum in 1953.
© Angus Council 1998 - 2008