A. Douglas Neill

(1894 - 1976)

New Brunswick

A. D. (Doug) Neill was born in 1894 on the north side of the Saint John River in Fredericton, formerly known as "Devon". His entire life was spent there until his death in 1976.

This was why the name "Devon" was selected as a prefix for his outstanding herd of Devon Holsteins, which he developed. He was founder and builder of the Devon Holstein Herd. Animals from this herd have been sold to Cuba, United States, and Europe.

In 1961 he received the Master Breeder Shield, the highest award that the Holstein Association bestows upon a breeder.

In 1961 A. D. Neill & Sons Ltd. was formed. He was the President of this company until his death in 1976.

Mr. Neill was one of the founding members of the New Brunswick Branch of the Holstein Friesian Association and its second President.

The first provincial "Black and White" shows were held at the Devon Farm of Doug Neill in 1940, 1941 and 1942. This was prior to the purchase of the Douglas Field in 1943 where these shows were continued.

He served as Director of the New Brunswick Livestock Council for a number of years and also served his term as President. Doug Neill also received the "Award of Merit"

"To a lifetime of dedication to the breeding of Holstein cattle and one of the pioneers of the Artificial Insemination Industry."  

presented by the N.B. Unit and the Cattle Breeders of New Brunswick.

In 1954 Mr. Neil was appointed to the N. B. Dairy Products Commission and served on this Commission until 1960.

He was elected to the Board of the Fredericton Exhibition in 1951 and served as Director until 1964. He was President of the organization in 1958 and 1959.

Always interested in community and church affairs, Mr. Neill was 26 year veteran member of the Gideon' s International and was presented his certificate for 20 years service in 1970. He was a member of Alexander Lodge No. 33 F.A. & M. and was also a member of the retiring School Board for the Town of Devon. He was Senior Deacon at Union Street United Baptist Church and officially laid the cornerstone for the new church which was later called Devon Park Baptist Church on June 1. 1974.

Being an ardent sportsman he loved fishing and hunting and anything that kept him close to nature and the land.