Robert was the son of William Wallace and Agnes Galbraith. His father died when he was only a year old. He had an older sister, Margaret Osborne Wallace. His mother then married Robert Hay, who became the only father he knew. So most of his adult life he was known as Robert Hay.

Agnes and Robert became the parents of seven more children: Janet, James, John, Agnes Robina, Alexander, and Elizabeth.
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Robert married Janet (Janette) McGraw on November 24, 1893, in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. They became the parents of a daughter, Jessie Wallace Hay, in 1899. For a while, Robert worked in shipbuilding and then went to Canada to "try his luck." He was drafted into the Canadian army, joining the legion and eventually died in France. A nephew of Robert's, Charlie Gillon, and uncle of this contributor, remembered that Robert joined the Princess Patricia's Regiment and became a sergeant while stationed in Ontario. He eventually went to France and was killed in WW1, on "Hill 60." Charlie recalled that his Uncle Robert was very tall. This wonderful picture of Robert in his kilts has been in the family for years and has been treasured by the descendants of his step-sister, Agnes Hay Gillon.

Casualty of the Great War, Robert served under the name of Hay, although he was born as Wallace. He was a sergeant in 'A' Coy. 4th Bn. Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment), service no. 10599. His attestation papers signed at Valcartier on 22nd September 1914 showed his date of birth as July 20th 1876 and age as 38 years and one month,and that he was a Fitter by trade. His wife was living back in Greenock. He was of fair complexion with silver grey hair and blue eyes. The last joint of the left hand little finger was missing. He was at that time active in the militia and had seen service as a Private in the Dumbartonshire Regiment.

At the time of his service, his wife was living at 51 Belville St., Greenock, Scotland.