Robert was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina to Priscilla Lee and Robert Barber. He was the 9th of the 10 children born to this couple.

In the 1810 Census, the Barber family were living in Lincoln County, North Carolina.

In the 1820 Census, the Barber family were living in Pulaski County, Kentucky.

In the 1830 Census, the Barber family were living in Schuyler County, Illinois.

On July 23, 1832 Robert married Miss Nancy Massingel in Hancock County, Illinois.

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Robert Barber
Age in 1860: 47
Birth Year: abt 1813
Birthplace: Kentucky
Home in 1860: Canton, Fulton, Illinois
Gender: Male
Post Office: Canton
Household Members:
Name Age
Robert Barber 47
Nancy Barber 44
John Barber 20
George Barber 15
Adaline Barber 13

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Robt Barber
Age in 1870: 57
Birth Year: abt 1813
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1870: Chalmers, McDonough, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Macomb
Household Members:
Name Age
Robt Barber 57
Nancy Barber 54
P Barber 31
A D Barber 23
C M Barber 5
M J Barber 3

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Robert Barber
Age: 66
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: North Carolina
Home in 1880: Prairie City, McDonough, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Nancy Barber
Father's Birthplace: Ireland
Mother's Birthplace: South Carolina
Occupation: Laborer
Household Members:
Name Age
Robert Barber 66
Nancy Barber 63

Colchester Independant Newspaper
June 18, 1884 :
Word was received of the death last night of Robert Barber, Sr, at Prairie City, Illinois.
His remains will be brought to Colchester on Thursday and burial will be in the Barber burying grounds.