Mathematical studies occupied Henry Owen during his time at Jesus College, Oxford, leading to his 1748 publication of the trigonometry treatise Harmonia Trigonometrica. While his professional trajectory shifted significantly toward Anglican theology and biblical scholarship, his early engagement with analytical frameworks established a pattern of rigorous inquiry that characterized his diverse career until his death in 1795.
Academic Foundations and Early Career
Born in 1716 near Cadair Idris, Henry Owen received his initial education at Ruthin School before entering Jesus College in 1736. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1739 and Master of Arts in 1743. During these years, he focused on mathematics. He later pivoted toward medicine, securing a Bachelor of Medicine in 1746 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1753. Ordained to the Anglican Church in 1746, he practiced medicine concurrently with his early clerical duties as a curate in Gloucestershire.
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Owen served as a curate under Theophilus Leigh at Broadwell with Adlestrop. His career advanced through associations with figures such as Ralph Thoresby and Matthew Fetherstonhaugh. In 1752, Fetherstonhaugh presented him to the living of Terling in Essex, a position he held until 1760. That same year, he moved to the London parish of St Olave Hart Street. In 1775, he became the vicar of Edmonton, Middlesex, a post secured through his role as chaplain to Shute Barrington, the bishop of Llandaff.
Contributions to Biblical Scholarship
His primary research involved the chronological and structural analysis of the four canonical gospel accounts. His 1764 work, Observations on the Four Gospels, is linked to the development of the Griesbach hypothesis. Throughout his life, he authored several texts regarding biblical criticism, including An Enquiry into the present State of the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament and Critica Sacra. He maintained a close working relationship with the publisher William Bowyer, assisting in the completion of multiple projects.
Personal Life and Death
In 1760, Owen married Mary Butts, the daughter of Robert Butts, who served as the bishop of Norwich. The couple had one son, Henry Butts Owen, who succeeded his father at St Olave Hart Street in 1794, and five daughters. Owen held membership in the Royal Society and was recognized as a Fellow. He died on 14 October 1795 in Edmonton and is buried at All Saints' Church.
Fast facts
- Born: 1716
- Died: 14 October 1795
- Education: Jesus College
- Citizenship: Wales
- Occupation: Priest, mathematician, theologian
- Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society
- Spouse: Mary Butts
Questions readers ask
What was Henry Owen's connection to mathematics?
He pursued mathematical studies at Jesus College and published Harmonia Trigonometrica, a short treatise on trigonometry, in 1748.
What specific area of theology did Owen focus on?
He specialized in biblical scholarship, focusing on the composition and publication dates of the four canonical gospels, as well as the Septuagint.
Achievements
- Fellow of the Royal Society
