He was admitted a member of the 'Literary Club' on Goldsmith's recommendation, and married
Jane Mill from Shrewsbury that same year. The first child was a daughter,
Sydney,
who went on to become a well-known author. Another daughter, Olivia,
married Sir Arthur Clarke, MD.
Robert Owenson appeared at and became co-owner of the Crow Street Theatre in Dublin.
In 1785 after a disagreement with his manager, he opened the Fishamble Street Theatre, and
also theatres in Kilkenny, Londonderry and Sligo but without commercial success and he retired
from the theatre in 1798.
He was regarded as a competent comedian and capable composer; the airs 'Rory O'More' and 'My
Love's the Fairest Creature' being attributed to him. He has a song recorded in TC
Croker's 'Popular Songs of Ireland', and published a long 'epic' poem under the signature RNO.
He died at the house of his son-in-law, Sir Arthur Clarke, in May 1812 and is buried in Irishtown
outside the city.
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