Robert Brett was born in Belstead, Suffolk, on 27th February 1824, he was baptised at the Ebenezer Wesleyan Chapel, Ipswich, on 28th March 1824; his father was William Brett, 29yrs, blacksmith, (later a farmer), and his mother was Mary, 29yrs, nee Shreeve. Robert was 1 of 7 children, 2 boys and 5 girls.
In 1858, Robert married Abigail Oldrich/Aldrich at Depwade, Norfolk, she sadly died giving birth to their daughter, Maud Abigail, in November 1860. Robert described his occupation in 1861 as a threshing machinist, his sister, Maria, was his housekeeper and carer of his 5month old daughter.
Robert married again at Stow, Suffolk, in January 1862, his wife was Ann Elizabeth Cole, 35yrs, they had 6 children: William b.1863 (died 1871), Ellen b.1866, Sarah b.1868, George b.1869, Ann b.1871, and Albert b.1873. In 1876, his first-born daughter, Maud Abigail, died aged 15years, and Robert was then widowed again in July 1877.
By 1871, Robert had taken over his father's rented farm and was farming 128 acres, in Gislingham, Suffolk employing 6 men and 3 boys. By 1881 he was farming 143 acres in Mettingham, employing 7 men and 1 boy.
At some point, Robert moved to Dovercourt, Essex, before retiring to 1, Brunswick Esplanade, Worthing, Sussex, (now Thorn Road), where he died on 4th March 1889, aged 65yrs. Probate was granted to John Alen, Suffolk Farmer, and his daughter, Ellen Mary Brett, spinster, of 8, Montague Place, Worthing, effects £365 4s. Value 2022 - £52,000.