Robert DeBruce was born between 1802 and 1804. He married Margaret Buchanan, about 1824. They settled on fifty acres of land south of her father, Daniel Buchanan, on March 28, 1827. This land is located what is now Big Sandy.

Robert taught school in what is now Benton County farhter west in the state and also as far away as northern Mississippi. Traditionary accounts indicate that he left home in search of a better teaching job. His family never saw him again. It is believed he was robbed and killed by outlaws east of Hazel KY about 1850. His children are: James Robert, 1825; Harriet C. 1832; Louise 1834; Archibald Beard 1825; Caroline Elizabeth 1836, Lucinda Jane 1838, John Henry 1839

Contributed by the Benton County History

Further details:
Mary Margaret Buchanan died about 1851 in Benton County TN.
Archibald Beard was born 22 December 1833 in Big Sandy - died 15 Jan 1898 in Kansas.
Archibald married Mary McFadden 9 Sep 1866 in Henry TN and later married Rebecca Davidson 22 Dec. 1853 in Henry Co.
John Henry was born 17 Dec 1839 in AL and died 5 Sep 1904 in Big Sandy. He was married to Mary Jane Hayes 4 Oct 1863 in Selma AL. Mary Jane was born 6 Mar 1844 in Chilton AL and died 5 Oct 1910 in Benton County daughter of Andrew and Nancy O. (Foshee) Hayes. They had 8 children.