Born c.1809, Robert Boag was the son of Rev. Dr Boag of Blackburn, Scotland.

Boag served a town councillor and subsequently as alderman for St George’s ward. He was chairman of the Sanitary Committee and set in place plans to build public baths and washhouses. Boag was also instrumental in the creation of drinking fountains across the city.

Boag served on the Royal Hospital’s Board of Management and as honorary secretary to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He also served on the boards, and donated generously, to the Sailors’ Home, Belfast Ophthalmic Hospital, the Children’s Hospital and Brown Street Schools.

In January 1877, he was knighted by the Duke of Marlborough. His portrait was presented to him at the Town Hall on 21 July of the same year.

Painted by Sir Thomas Alfred Jones (1823-1893), president of the Royal Hibernian Academy, Boag's portrait portrays him in Court dress holding a glove and hat.

Boag died on 7 November 1877 at Glenchory House, Edinburgh, the home of his son-in-law, Patrick Fleming.