Dr Robert W Playford was born in London, England, on the 12th day of March 1799 and educated at Eton College, the celebrated English public school founded by King Henry VI in 1440. In this school he was what is known as a "king's scholar." His position in his classes on leaving the college entitled him to a scholarship at Oxford, but he preferred to enter at once upon the study of medicine in the office of his father, a reputable London physician. With his father he came to this country locating in Brownsville in 1820.Dr Playford Sr remained here almost two years, in that short time establishing in connection with his son, a large and lucrative business. He returned to London where he died in 1826.
Dr Robert W Playford remained in Brownsville continuing in active practice until 1861 when he was stricken with hemiplegia which unfitted him for further active practice. He enjoyed the reputation of having the largest business of any physician in the county. In all his practice he was singularly successful; his acute perception, his clear judgment, and rapid decision fitting him particularly for emergencies and seemed to render his knowledge of his duties almost intuitive.
During the whole period of his business life he was once away from town five days at one time, being the only instance of absence from his professional cares for more than one during the forty one years of his life that were devoted to active professional pursuits. He frequently wrote for the local press on sanitary affairs and matters of home interest. He died at his home in Brownsville, March 24, 1867. His surviving children are: Mrs Sophia Parkinson of Monongahela City, Penna; Miss Harriet Playford of Brownsville; Dr Robert Playford of Petroleum Centre, Penna; Hon William H Playford of Uniontown, Penna; and Mrs Amanda Kennedy of Philadelphia, Penna.