Born in Ashfield, Co Cavan in Ireland about 1822.
About 1839 emigrates to England settling in Barnard Castle where he meets his prospective wife, Jane Wigham, daughter of the local worsted mill owner.
They marry 6th April, 1845.
By 1851 he’s working in the mill as a carpet weaver. They have a daughter Mary Ann and they live in 36 Bridgegate near the mill. Most of their neighbours living in Bridgegate work at the mill.
Ten years later, they have moved to 128 Bridgegate to accommodate their growing family. The eldest daughter is still at school but Jan is now working as a minder at the mill. Presumably, Jane is looking after the younger children Sarah, Charlotte, William, Robert and baby Catherine.
By 1871 they are living at 65 Bridgegate. Robert is working in the woollen factory. Mary Ann, Sarah and Charlotte are all working as minders at the flax factory. William and Robert are working as carpet weavers. The youngest – Catherine and George – are both at school. Mary Ann has an illegitimate daughter – Sarah Jane – the first grandchild.
In 1881 Robert is now living in a smaller house on Bridgegate – number 90 – with his daughter Catherine and son George. Catherine is a domestic servant and George is an apprentice clogger. Robert is now working as an overlooker at the flax factory.
Ten years later, Robert has retired and is living alone at 94 Bridgegate.
In 1892 Robert returns to Ireland – probably just to visit the remaining Irish relations. He drowns in the Irish Sea during the crossing.
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