Robert Wilson (1806 – 1888)[1] was a Great Lakes ship captain operating out of Oakville, Province of Canada who helped black slaves from the United States escape to freedom as part of the Underground Railroad.

[3] Wilson was the master of the Lady Colborne, a schooner that shipped grain on the Great Lakes.

[4] Slaves would be picked up from Ashtabula, Ohio and hidden in the hold with grain shipments.

[5][6] Following the American Civil War, African Americans in the Oakville area celebrated Emancipation Day at George's Square in the town, and would also visit the home of Wilson.

[8] The Captain R. Wilson Public School is named in his honour.