Robert Kingston was born at West Hartlepool between April and June 1874, and baptised at the Weslyan Methodist Church, Cambridge Place, West Hartlepool, sometime in 1875.
The 1891 Census shows Robert (aged 16, a Marine Engineer Apprentice), living with his Aunt, Margaret Payne, her daughter also named Margaret (aged 8), and his own sister also named Margaret (25, a Dressmaker), at No.21, Murray Street, Stranton, West Hartlepool.
On December 17th, 1907, Robert (listed as an Engineer), married Edith Ridsdale at Christ Church, West Hartlepool, their address being given as No.21, Milton Street, West Hartlepool.
At the time of hs loss, their address is given as No.50, Landsdowne Road, West Hartlepool.
