Robert was born at Tre Criccin near Rhuddlan, North Wales in Abt. 1813 and baptised on 5th Jul 1813 at Rhuddlan. He moved with his parents to the Whitchurch area sometime between 1815 and 1818.

He lived at Bark Hill, Whitchurch at the time of his marriage to Maria Hickson on 16th Mar 1838 and was known to have been a Labourer at that time. He was probably unable to read or write as he signed his marriage certificate with his mark 'X'

He was shown in 1841 to be living at Gig Lane, Dodington near Whitchurch and having the occupation of Agricultural Labourer. By 1851 he was living at Lamb's Cottage, Hinton near Whitchurch with the occupation of Gardener and by 1861 he had moved to Terrick Hall, Whitchurch where he was recorded to have been a Lady's Gardener. He was shown to be living in Shrewbridge Lane (now Road) in Nantwich by 1871, again with the occupation of Gardener.

It is assumed that he and wife Maria lived apart by that time as it is recorded that only him and two of his children, Edward and Elizabeth, were still living at their home.

By 1881 Maria was shown to be living with Robert's brother Edward Sandland at Green End, Whitchurch with the occupation of general domestic servant at the age of 62 years.

Robert died on 15th Mar 1880 at the age of 66 years. The cause of his death was stated to be "Senile Decay of Chronic Disease of the Brain" and the place of his death recorded to be that of a Lunatic Asylum (Salop and Montgomery) near to Shrewsbury. He was buried at Whitchurch on 20th Mar 1880.