South London Press - Saturday 10 January 1880
Death and funeral of Robert Neal: "one of the largest employers, if not the largest, in the county of Surrey."
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Death and Funeral of Mr. R. Neal, Sen., of Wandsworth Common.
The opening year, ere yet its advent had been many boors proclaimed, saw the death of one of tube oldest inhabitants of South London - Mr. Robert Neal, a gentleman whose early industry created tube firm which, under the title of Messrs. B. and G. Neal, the well-known contractors, and proprietors of the Wandsworth Common Nurseries, has assumed mammoth proportion". The deceased had for some time past, owing to failing health and his ripe old age, ceased to take any active part in the business which is so widely known, and now successfully earned on by the sons.
Indefatigable and industrious his younger days, and possessing business aptitude of no mean order, the deceased, by dint of rare energy, successfully fought against many difficulties, until he had laid the foundation of one of the most successful businesses in the metropolis, and which, under his guidance, continually increased, until he was able to hand over to his successors clientele of which but few local firms can boast. The deceased was distinguished thorough probity and straightforward dealing, and was also an excellent master and kind and generous friend. It was therefore by no means surprising that Monday last, tube day of the funeral, witnessed one of the largest assemblies ever seen within the Battersea cemetery. In addition to the large body of employees engaged by the firm, there were present a considerable number of tradesmen and professional men, who assembled round the grave to see the last of one whom they had so long known and esteemed - expressions of regret the termination of so thoroughly practical and useful life being heard upon all sides.
The remains were interred in the private family grave, and the funeral service was taken by the Rev. John Toone, vicar of St. Peter's, Battersea, assisted by his curate. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Johnson, Bellevue-road, Wandsworth Common - the appointments and accessories doing every credit to his establishment. The cortège, which started from deceased's residence shortly after 12, consisted of the hearse, drawn by four horses richly-caparisoned with velvets and plumettes, and four mourning coaches, each drawn by two horses similarly bedecked.
The mourners consisted of Messrs. .1. Neal, sen., G. Neal, sen., R. Neal, sen., Neal, jun., G. Neal, jnn., Scott, Murfln, Ilawton, Pearson, Her, Merrett, Boxhall, Chandler, and Rose. The coffin, a massive oak one, was covered with black cloth, elaborately studded with electro-plated nails. The handles were of mediaeval design, and the ornaments en suite. The electro plate on an ebony mount bore the inscription - Koiieut Nexl Died Ist January, 1880. Aged 78 years.
The large crowd participators in the mournful procession, which proceeded via Trinity-road, Bellevue-road, and Bolingbroke, included large body of the working men employed by the firm, the numbers gradually increasing till the arrival at the cemetery, where admirable order and decorum were sustained - the arrangements of the superintendent of the cemetery, Mr. Akerman, being all that could be desired, the vast concourse of people being evidently imbued with respect for the deceased and the relatives. The deceased was one of the largest employers, if not the largest, in the county of Surrey.
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