Robert Crosby was the second child of Mary & Robert Crosby born 1834 at Dawdon Hall, Seaham & christened February 25th, 1834 at St Andrew's, Dalton-le-Dale, Co Durham.
At the time of the 1841 census was living with his mother & sister Jane at New Cassop where his mother was a publican. His father was visiting his aunt Elizabeth Earnshaw (nee Crosby) at Dawdon Hall, Seaham.
In 1851 Robert was an apprentice butcher for John Picken at Blackgate, Coxhoe.
By 1861 Robert had returned to live at home with his parents at Front Row, Cassop. He was now a butcher.
Robert married Mary Ann Brown in April-June 1866, the marriage being registered at Sunderland. Mary Ann was born c1840 at Sacriston, the daughter of Dorothy & Benjamin Brown, a butcher.
By 1871 Robert & Mary were living at High St, Sherburn, where Robert continued to be a butcher. They had a 4 year old son Benjamin Brown Crosby who they included on the census, but he was in fact visiting his grandparents at Front St, Cassop. Living with them was an apprentice butcher, Thomas Hutchinson.
In 1881 Robert & Mary were still at Sherburn, now at 10 Front St. At home were Benjamin, Mary J (9), Dorothy A (5) & Edith (10 months).
Robert & Mary were listed at 9 Front St, Sherburn in 1891 & Robert was now a butcher & farmer. Mary Jane & Dorothy Ann were the only children at home. Daughter Edith had died, aged 7, in 1888. The whereabouts of son Benjamin are unknown.
Robert died in Oct-December 1900, aged 69, his death being registered at Durham.
The children of Robert Crosby & Mary Ann Brown were:
c.4.3.2.1 Benjamin Brown Crosby born Oct-December 1866 at Cassop, Co Durham
c.4.3.2.2 Mary Jane Crosby born April-june 1871 at Sherburn Hill, Co Durham
c.4.3.2.3 Dorothy Ann B Crosby born Oct-December 1875 at Sherburn Hill, Co Durham
c.4.3.2.4 Edith Crosby born April-June 1880 at Sherburn Hill; died Jan-March 1888 at Sherburn, Co Durham