Robert Broughton was born in 1856 and was baptised on 14th September. He was the son of William Broughton (1813) and Elizabeth Thurston. In 1861 he was living in Billingford. In 1871 he was working as a labourer and was living with his parents in Plumstead Road, Edgefield. He married Susannah around 1879. By 1881 he had moved to Over Darwen where he was working as a carter and was living at 23 Frances Street. Robert was at the same address in 1891 and, by 1901, was living at 32 Powell Street and working as a general labourer.

Sources
• 1. Grace King's Data. Robert Broughton. Baptised 14 Sep 1856. • 2. 1871 Census. Plumstead Road, Edgefield. Robert Broughton. Son. Age 14. Labourer. Born Plumstead. • 3. 1861 Census. ? Road, Billingford. Robert Broughton. Son. Age 4. Scholar. Born Plumsted [sic]. • 4. 1881 Census. 23 Frances St, Over Darwen. Robert Broughton. Head. Age 24. Carter. Born Plumstead. • 5. 1891 Census. 23 Frances St, Over Darwen. Robert Broughton. Head. Age 34. Carter. Born Plumstead. • 6. 1901 Census. 32 Powell St, Darwen. Robert Broughtin. Head. Age 45. Labourer General. Born Edgefield.