Robert married Eva Mason on 12 October 1865. They had at least four children: Eva Virginia, Eliza Mason (1872-74), Lucy Randolph, and Robert Mason.
He enlisted as a Private in Company "G", 12th Virginia Infantry on 19 April 1861, and was promoted through the ranks to Sergeant. He was wounded at 2nd Manassas on 30 August 1862, and was afterward detailed to the C.S. Quartermaster Department as a clerk, with the rank of private.
He next enlisted in Company "E", 3rd Regiment, Richmond Local Defense Troops on 20 June 1863, and was made a Color Sergeant on 27 August 1864. He served to the end of the War. After the War, he worked in the coal business.
He is buried near his wife and his daughter Eva in his grandfather Robert Gwathmey's plot (findagrave.com)