Robert Ballantyne was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland on October 12, 1828 to John and Janet Turnbull Ballantyne.

The Ballantyne family joined the LDS church in Scotland and came to the U.S. in 1841 arriving on the "Tyrian" at New Orleans, Louisiana. From there they went up the Mississippi River to Nauvoo, Illinois where the Mormons were building a temple. After Joseph Smith was murdered at Nauvoo the family spent the winter at LaCrosse, Wisconsin where Robert's brother, Thomas, died of pneumonia. When Lyman Wight's group split with Brigham Young, the Ballantyne family followed Wight to Texas. After making it to Texas, they crossed several counties before they settled on the Medina River across the river from Bandera, Texas.

Robert married Marinda Minear on January 2, 1860 in Bandera, Texas. To this union seven children were born: Lydia Marinda, John W., Robert Thomas, Joseph A., David F., Moroni, and Rachel M.

On March 29, 1860 Robert raised a company of Minutemen from among the citizens of Bandera County to protect settlers from Indians and in that service had many hair-raising escapes. He was also employed by the government as a scout and guide. Being familiar with the country he was of great service to the United States troops under the command of General Hatch, but for a short time under Major Bowman.

After living 24 years in Texas the family departed for Iowa in covered wagons and in 1874 settled near Soldier, Iowa. In the spring of 1876 they moved to Dunlap, Iowa and in 1883 to Charter Oak, Iowa where they resided until their death.

Robert passed away February 19, 1911 and Marinda March 7, 1923. They are buried in Charter Oak.

Information on Robert was obtained from his biography in the "Biographical History of Crawford, Ida and Sac Counties, Iowa" published by the Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago 1893; "100 Years in Bandera" (Texas) by J. Marvin Hunter, 1953; marriage certificate, obituary in the "Saints Herald, Vol. 58, Page 261" and death certificate.