Williams
Robert
1647 – 1734
Robert was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales in 1647, possibly descending from Ellis Williams. He arrived in America some years prior to 1691, settling in Pennsylvania.
Marriage
Robert was a widower at the time of his marriage to Gwen Cadwalader in 1691. Nothing is known of his previous wife.
Robert and Gwenwere the parents to 9 children. All of them are believed to be the descendants of Robert and Gwen, but it is possible the oldest were the children of his first wife. If he had other children with his previous wife, they are unknown. Robert’s children include:
- Ann♥
- Elizabeth married William Philips.
- Ellis married Mary.
- Lewis married Ann Thomas.
- John married Jane Jones.
- William married Joan Pugh.
- Grace married John Meredith.
- Hannah married John Morgan.
- Sarah married Timothy Kirk.
The King
Robert (and his family) believe to be the first settler in Goshen Township, Chester County, Philadelphia, being there prior to 1700. According to lore, Robert was called the “King of Goshen.” There are many stories of hardship in those early years, including the need to travel several miles to get fire if the fire should go out.
In 1701, there were enough people in the area that discussions of creating a Quaker meeting commenced. It is believed that early meetings of the Goshen Society of Friends may have been held at his house.
In 1715, he moved to Uwchlan transferring his land in Goshen to his son Ellis.
Robert died in 1734.