Robert MacKeown was the son of James and Mary Jane McKeown. He was born on 7th September 1882. He was one of at least eight children, all born in the Coagh area. The family lived at Crumlin Cottage, Coagh. His father was a farmer and an accountant. Captain Robert MacKeown is known to have served with the 2/5th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment in the war. He was Chaplain to the Forces (C.F.). Captain Robert McKeown was Mentioned in Despatches.