Owen Josephus Roberts was born May 2, 1875, in Germantown, Pennsylvania.
Justice Roberts attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 1895 as valedictorian. He then continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He built a successful law career which included positions as First District Attorney in Philadelphia and work in corporate and estate law. Roberts also devoted his time to teaching at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. From 1930 to 1945, Owen J. Roberts served as a Supreme Court Justice. He was best known for his position as a "swing justice" since he frequently cast the deciding vote, and thus determined the majority opinion between the liberals and conservatives on the Court.
Justice Roberts' connection to northern Chester County began in 1929 with the purchase of Bryncoed, a 700-acre farm in the Birchrunville area. He originally purchased it for a country home, but enjoyed raising both crops and cattle there. Throughout his life, Justice Roberts volunteered much of his time to community service.
Justice Roberts died May 17, 1955, at the age of 80, and is buried at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
