Two Robert Owens

I. Robert and Jane Owen came to America on the ship Vine, reaching Philadelphia in 1684. They came from Dolsereu, near Dolgelly, Merionethshire, in Wales, and were interred at the Merion Friends Burial Ground within a few days of each other in July 1685. They had nine sons, some of whom remained in Wales, and at least two who removed to New Castle County, Delaware. The family arrived with five indentured servants: a boy named Edward Edwards, and four servant maids: Lowry Edwards, Margaret Edwards, Ann Owen, and Hanna Watt. (See T.A. Glenn, Merion in the Welsh Tract, p 122)

II. The second Robert Owen was married to Rebecca Owen, daughter of Owen Humphrey of Llwyndu, Merionethshire, and sister of Joshua Owen mentioned elsewhere here. Robert was born ca. 1657 in Fron Goch, near Bala, Merionethshire, Wales. Known as an eminent preacher, he was among the early Welsh Quakers who were persecuted for their religious beliefs. (See Besse's A Collection of the Sufferings of the People Called Quakers, Vol I, p. 755). Robert Owen's house was built in 1695 in the 445 acres he purchased in 1691. Called Penn Cottage, it is said that he hired the same stonemasons to build his house as who built the Merion Meetinghouse. Penn Cottage is located two miles east of the Meetinghouse on what were once wagon tracks, not Montgomery Avenue. This Robert Owen died in Merion Township, 10th month, 8th day, 1697, several months after his wife Rebecca died. Their infant daughter Rebecca, born January 14, 1697, died the same year as her parents and was buried September 21, 1697.