Both Robert and Catherine were born in Westmorland County, New Brunswick, Canada. Their marriage was registered in 1870.

In the 1871 census for Moncton, N.B. Robert and Catherine are residing with James (55) and Caroline (47), others living in the house were, Isaac (20), Almira (17), Mary (14), Tracy (12), Bliss (8), Anne (6), Alberta (4) and James (10/12). It is most likely that these are Roberts parents and siblings.

They had 5 children before they relocated to the U.S., Edward H. (1871), Carrie (1873), George (1875), Ada (1877), and Hartley (1880).
One child, Lillian was born in New Haven, Connecticut.