David Owen was the nephew of William Owen who inherited the proprietorship of Campobello Island with his brothers William Owen Jr. and Arthur Davis. He graduated from Trinity College in Cambridge in 1777 and became an ordained deacon in the Church of England in 1778. In 1787 he achieved priesthood.
David Owen arrived on Campobello Island in 1787 and lived and ruled the island for 42 years. His first home was in Curry’s Cove but he soon moved it to Friar’s Bay and called it Tyn-e-coed, “house in the woods.” He was appointed Justice of the Peace and became a judge for the Court of General Session and the Interior Court of Common Pleas in St. Andrews. In 1795 he was elected as a member of the House of Assembly. In 1822, he attempted to create his own country after the separation of New Brunswick from Nova Scotia. David Owen died in 1829 on Campobello but is buried in Wales.
IN OUR COLLECTION
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Painting of David Owen (1754-1829) -
Letter from David Owen to Daniel Kendrick, July 8, 1826Transcription: Mr. Daniel Kendrick The tenement on Campo Bello known by the name of Tinkers Lot and especially described in your lease, you are hereby notified by me to quit at the expiration thereof which is on the Eighteenth day of October next - Dated the 8th day of July 1826 - David Owen
Courtesy of New Brunswick Museum Archive and Research Library -
Letter re C.Hatch attack on family by David Owen to Ward Chipman 1790Campobello, Feb 7, 1790 Sir David Owen, Esq. of this Island, having made use of some infamous expressions, directed to parts of my family., I was on hearing it under the necessity to go to his house and cane him. I hope and believe this uncommon attack on my family will justify me in the opinion of the publick for treating him in this manner. Mr. Lindsay who I have requested to call on you, will inform you the particulars of this business and have desired him to take your opinion and advice, as Mr. O. means to prosecute for the assault. I think I ought to bring an action for Defamation, in both those actions. I want your assistance and Mr. L. is directed to retain you accordingly. This man’s character is established thro this province, but as he is fixed as a great pest to society in this County, I should think it best to have the action for the assault tried here, which probably he will endeavor to avoid. In this you will be the best judge. The Evidence to prove the Defamation are transient people and leave this place next week, I shall however endeavor to have their Depositions taken in that mode, that they will be valid in a Court of Law if I can get a magistrate. You will do me a favor by writing me on this subject. I am with much Esteem yr hbl svt C. Hatch -
William Flagg deed David Owen, September 5, 1829
