Robert Stedman (1667-1738)
Captain Robert Stedman, Merchant, of West Lothian, Scotland
He was born at Little Seggie, Kinross. He became the owner and commander of a ship which traded between Bo'Ness on the Firth of Forth south of Fife and Holland. From there, he extended his trade routes to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. He owned a Counting House, Wharf, Merchant House, etc., in Rotterdam, and shipyards in Fife. At the peak of his career he owned 13-ships and accrued a considerable fortune before losing the lot. Three of his sons settled in America, one of whom, Charles, built what is now known as the Powel House in Philadelphia.
