MR. ROBERT OWEN. MERION, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Hugh Robert's Testimony concerning his brother ROBERT OWEN.
He was one that feared the Lord from his youth, being convinced og the truth, when about seventeen years of age; he loved the company of such of his aquaintance as were most substantial in religion, and was also beloved by them and all sort of people that knew him, being greatly helpful to his brethren, and made a cause of gladness to those that were his father in the truth.The Lord not only opened his heart like Lydia's formerly, but he likewise poened his mouth to publish his name and truth amongst many, travelling several times through his native country Wales, where he was of good service.
In 1690, he came into Pennsylvania, where he lived about seven years, visiting this and the adjacent provinces, and was also very useful in the meeting where he resided, both in doctrine and discipline; he was indeed a strong pillar. I never saw him take part with a wrong thing! Oh the want of him which I feel! his place is still empty, I pray God, if it be his will, to fill it up.
Oh my brother, my dear companion! how can they that knew thy faithfullness to truth, do less than leave a memorial to succeeding generations? for thy name is worthy to be recorded in Israel.
He was a man of peace and hated all appearance of contention, and indeed he was a skillful peacemaker, being endued with wisdom and authority, yet full of mercy and compassion unto every appearance of good. His removal is a great loss unto us who are left.
Well my dear brother, in the remebbrance of thee, and the many good and precious opportunities, we have had together, my soul is bowed and ready to say, I shall never have the like companion, so fitted and knit together in every respect; the more I consider my loss of thee, the greater it appears; therefore conclude this my testimony, and return to my own work and service, that I may be prepared to follow after thee.
HUGH ROBERTS.
He died the 8th of the fifth month, 1697, and was interred the 10th of the same, in friends burying ground at Merion in Pennsylvania.
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MR. ROBERT OWEN. MERION, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Robert Owen was born in Fron Goch, Merionethshire, Wales, England, eldest son of Owen ap Evan Robert Lewis, of Fron Goch near Bala in Merioneth, Wales, and his wife, Gainor John.Robert married Rebecca Humphrey, daugher of Owen and Jane Humphrey on January 11th, 1678 in Llangelynin Parish, Merionethshire, Wales.
Robert and Rebecca came to America on a William Penn voyage in 1690.
Robert's royal lineage is traced through Rhy-Mechyllt, feudal lord of Llandovery Castle, to Howell-DDA, King of All Wales (948) and through Rhy-Mechyllt's wife Lady Jane to Hugh Capet, King of France (940-996).
Robert Owen became a Quaker minister in Wales and was instrumental in working with William Penn to help Quakers immigrate to Pennsylvania. The Quakers were much persecuted in Wales by the Church of England. Robert was fined many times and imprisoned at Dolgelly Gaole in 1654 for "being absent from National Worship".
Robert and Rebecca and their children came to Pennsylvania with a certificate of removal to Merion Monthly Meeting, PA from Tyddyn Garreg, Merionethshire Quarterly Meeting filed June 8, 1690. The certificate is preserved in the archives of the Haverford (Radnor) monthly meeting.
Robert was elected to Justice of the Peace and to the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1695 and 1697. He was a trustee of the Merion Meeting.
Robert and Rebecca's home was known as "Penn Cottage" by tradition known as a place where William Penn stayed during his travels.
Robert died October 8, 1697 in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. His will is published in Joseph West and Jane Owen which notes source as Will Book "B" Page 422, No 15 Year 1705. He is buried at the Merion Friends Meeting Grounds, Philadelphia.
They had eight children.
Elizabeth (1680-?) married David Evans
Evan (1682-1727 married Mary Hoskins
Jane (1682-?)
Gainor (1688-?) married Jonathan Jones
Owen (1690-1741) married Ann Wood
John (1692-1752) married Hannah Maris
Robert, Jr. (1695-?) married Susanna Hudson
Rebecca (1697-1697)