Son of John and Jane Longstaff. In the 1891 census he is shown living at 80 Hude Gate, Middleton-in-Teesdale with his parents and four siblings. Robert was married to Margaret Elanor Longstaff; they had two children, one a daughter named Jane.
Lived in Coronation Street, Barnard Castle with his wife and children before moving to Darlington. Prior to the war he worked as a plate layer for North east Railway.
Teesdale Mercury 26.07.1916 - Page 4: Column 3
Private Rob Longstaff died in France 17/07. Of Bridge Street, Middleton in Teesdale. 15th DLI (Durham Light Infantry) - took part in org. Battle of Somme
Teesdale Mercury-22/10/1919: Notes from the higher dales: Service to dedicate marble tablet