ROBERT STEER was born in New Jersey in September of 1858 to Martin and Eliza Steer. He was a lifelong resident of North Camden. The family was living in Camden's North Ward as early as the spring of 1860. The census of 1870 shows Martin and Eliza Steer and their four sons, Alexander, Robert, Harry, and Samuel. Another brother, Howard, was born after the Census was taken.

The 1878-1879 Camden City Directory shows Robert Steer and his parents living at 916 Howard Street, where they remained through 1881. Robert Steer was living at 56 North Street by the summer of 1882, and stayed at that address into 1885. The 1887-1888 and 1888-1889 City Directories show Robert Steer living at 803 North 2nd Street.

Robert Steer married Carrie Paine in 1889. On July 1, 1890 Robert Steer was appointed to the Camden Fire Department. He was then living at 57 York Street, where he remained through 1897. He first served as a hoseman with Engine Company 2. When fire fighter Charles Berry of Engine Company 4 at 330 Vine Street passed away in 1893, Robert Steer was transferred to that unit.

In 1894 Engine Company 4's personnel were as follows: Foreman Amidee S. Middleton, Engineer Francis Turner; Driver Walter Browning; Stoker Robert Steer; Hosemen, Howard Currie, William Patterson, James Elberson. 

The 1899 City Directory and the 1900 Census show Robert Steer living at 806 Howard Street with his wife, son William H., daughter Carrie, brother Howard, mother-in-law Rebecca and sister-in-law Della. By 1906 the family had moved to 816 Howard Street, where they remained into 1910. By the time the 1914 Camden City Directory was compiled, Robert Steer had moved to 810 Howard Street.

Robert Steer passed away on January 20, 1915.