Henry Martyn Robert was an American engineer and military officer, best known for authoring the widely used parliamentary procedure manual, Robert's Rules of Order. Born on May 2, 1837, in Southborough, Massachusetts, he served in the Union Army during the American Civil War and later became a prominent figure in civil engineering. In 1876, Robert published his first edition of Robert's Rules of Order, which aimed to provide a clear framework for conducting meetings and making decisions in a fair and orderly manner. His work has since become a standard reference for organizations, including nonprofits, government bodies, and businesses, ensuring effective communication and governance.