Mr. Robert was born in the third ward of this city on what is known as the Sterling farm, June 1st, 1808. He remembered very vividly the first cannon ball fired by the British at the commencement of the war of 1812, which shattered the corner of the homestead. When Mr. Robert became of age he owned and worked the farm owned by the late Samuel Albain in Monroetown. He traded this farm for the one in Frenchtown consisting of 460 acres, which he divided among his children.

Mr. Robert's first wife was the daughter of Hon. Hubert Lacroix, who was a Colonel in the war of 1812, and subsequently for a number of years a member of the territorial legislature. By this first marriage 18 children were born, eight of whom are now living. His second wife was Miss Margaret Bonneau of Vienna. The fruits of this marriage were nine children, all of whom incliding the mother, survive him. He was the father of 27, 17 of whom-8 boys and 9 girls-are still living to honor his memory, all are married but one of the boys.

Mr. Robert was one of the most affable men. Strong in intellect and industry, an indefatigable worker, and gifted with an uncommon measure of native tact which bound his large family together, and drew to him a large circle of warm friends among the most influential citizens of the county. Promptness and thoroughness characterized all his work and his honesty and integrity were the basis of his wide reputation.